End of an era: UK air force to disband bomb disposal unit

LONDON (AP) — It’s the end of an era for Britain’s Royal Air Force: Its only bomb disposal squadron is being disbanded, 75 years after it was formed to disarm unexploded German bombs.

An RAF spokesman said \there will be “no change to public safety” when the 5131 Bomb Disposal Squadron is phased out in April 2020.

RAF personnel with the bomb disposal unit will be given other positions with the air force. The British Army will take over its duties.

RELATED

EOD techs take ‘brutal’ Gruseter exercise, other new PT standards for a spin

Some explosive ordnance disposal technicians earlier this month got a first taste of what could be their new physical fitness test — including a “brutal” new exercise designed to push these airmen to their limits.

By Stephen Losey

The storied squadron was formed in 1943 during World War II and made safe 176,000 weapons in its first two years.

Unexploded World War II bombs are still found occasionally, often leading to evacuations in neighborhoods where they are discovered.

In Other News

No paper, no plastic: Be ready as commissaries adopt reusable bags

Reusable bags can be more expensive for commissary shoppers up front, but more cost-effective in the long run.

Pentagon disputes report of firefight following Abbey Gate bombing

A new report on the 2021 airport bombing in Afghanistan which killed 13 U.S. troops suggests the assault may have involved more than one attacker.

The man who made Belleau Wood — and the Marine Corps — immortal

Floyd Gibbons made history when his dispatch got past the wartime censor.

Vets advocates push Supreme Court to dump laws punishing homelessness

A case being considered by the Supreme Court could have far-reaching impact on efforts to help homeless veterans.

Special Forces soldiers in NW Florida still awaiting child care center

A decision on whether Special Forces families will get a child development center at Camp "Bull" Simons, Florida, may arrive in the coming weeks.

Load More