Base EOD team competes in Western National Robot Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Michael P. Kleiman
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairsn
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Bomb squads from around the state including the 377th Civil Engineer Division's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Branch demonstrated their skills in operating robots to diffuse dangerous situations during the third annual Western National Robot Rodeo, hosted here by Sandia National Laboratories, June 22-25. 

At the end of the competition in 10 different scenarios such as pinpointing explosives near water tanks, discovering a bomb trip wire in a ravine, as well as locating and removing weapons from an aircraft interior, the Albuquerque Police Department won the event, with the Kirtland AFB EOD team coming in at a very close second place. 

"Our team did an exceptional job competing against the other bomb squads," said Capt. Mark Fogle, EOD Branch commander. "Not only did they have a good time, but more importantly, they were able to see how other teams operated while still allowing us to hone our skills for an upcoming fall deployment. 

"This was an excellent training event for all the teams and really helped us build a solid understanding of each other's abilities since we may need to work alongside them at any time in the future," said Captain Fogle. "Although we finished second, I believe our team displayed first place capabilities in working with robots in a variety of challenging situations." 

The Air Force EOD team included Staff Sgt. John Degnaro, Staff Sgt. Christopher Jackson, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Worthington, Senior Airman Myles Corbin and Airman 1st Class Rafael Walden. 

Entries from the New Mexico State Police, Santa Fe Police Department and Los Alamos National Laboratory also competed. 

Conducting the robot rodeo serves a two-fold purpose. First, the activity involves groups of bomb technicians seeking to prove who is the fastest and safest in employing robots to resolve a myriad of hazardous scenarios. Second, the contest allows participants to become familiar with robots unavailable in their area, but which they may be required to use when working in another locale. 

"The robot rodeo gives us an opportunity to see what the civilian section of law enforcement is using and what their capabilities are. It also enhances our working relationships with Bomb Squads throughout New Mexico," said Sergeant Jackson. "Cooperation and collaboration in our career field is critical, and though the event is a competition, it emphasizes the importance of working together in achieving successful resolutions to volatile situations."