US Navy stages explosion for start of Syracuse Navy week

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 and the Onondaga Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad staged a “Hollywood” explosion at the New York State Fairground June 6.

The explosion marked one of the first events during a week full of interaction between Navy Sailors and the city of Syracuse.

“These type of trainings and demonstrations give us a chance to learn the Navy EOD’s tactics, procedures, tools and what they bring to the table,” said Gregory Beckwith, sergeant with Onondaga County’s Sheriff’s Office Police Division and member of the bomb squad.

To trigger the explosion, Sailors from EODMU 12 and the sheriff’s office suspended four one-gallon jugs of gasoline in the air interlaced with a detonation cord. From there, they ran the detonation cord to a safe distance and remotely triggered the explosion.

“Working with the sheriff’s department gives us the chance to build a relationship and familiarize ourselves with their procedures,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class John Wise, assigned to EODMU 12. “That way we’re ready to react and respond if we get a call and lives are on the line.”

EOD Sailors will continue to educate the public on their role in the Navy’s mission during events scheduled throughout the week.