SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii − The 303rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion (EOD), 8th Military Police "Watchdog" Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, hosted an inactivation ceremony for its 706th Ordnance Company (EOD), Aug. 3, at Hamilton Field.
It was a small and somber ceremony as Watchdog leaders, Soldiers and Family members gathered together to witness the inactivation of one of its companies. After nearly 20 years in Hawaii as the 706th Ordnance Co., Capt. Alexandra Long, commander, encased the unit's guidon, signaling the end of the unit's mission.
"Today marks a sad, but bittersweet day in history for the 706th Ordnance Company (EOD)," said Long. "Today we commemorate the history of the 706th EOD."
With over 70 years of military service, the 706th Ordnance Co. was first constituted as the 6th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad, Separate on January 30, 1943, as part of the Army Reserves. It was not until 1954, over ten years later, that the unit was allotted to the Army's active component.
The unit has called several places home. From Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to its most recent home at Fort Shafter, Hawaii on March 25, 1959. It was on June 16, 1997 that the unit was reorganized and redesignated as the 706th Ordnance Co.
Throughout the unit's seven decades of military service, it has participated in several military campaigns, to include World War II, and most recently, the Global War on Terrorism.
As part of the U.S. Army Pacific, the unit has participated in several critical and unique missions to include numerous subject matter expert engagements throughout the Hawaiian Islands and partner nations. The unit has also performed the safe execution of over 80 emergency response missions, 10 VIP missions for the Secret Service and two Humanitarian Mine Action missions.
"I could not be more proud and honored to be standing here today, having commanded such a phenomenal organization with outstanding Soldiers and leaders who dedicated and sacrificed day-in and day-out for such an incredible mission," said Long.
While the ceremony marked the end of the unit's mission, Long said it was just another chapter in the unit's extensive history.
She said, "The 706th EOD Company may be going away however, the legacy of the Soldiers, leaders and families will carry on."
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