An explosives disposal unit with command of about 1,000 Soldiers will soon make Fort Campbell its new home. Next Thursday, the 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) will activate on post, ending a 16-year stay at Fort Gillem, Ga.
The 52nd EOD oversees three battalions that are highly trained to defuse weapons of mass destruction and improvised explosive devices such as roadside bombs.
The 63rd Ordnance Battalion is based out of Fort Drum, NY. The 192nd is at Fort Bragg, NC.
The 184th is also relocating here from Fort Gillem. Several of the unit's companies have already settled into Fort Campbell.
Col. Thomas Langowski took command of the 52nd last week. The move involves a realignment effort with 101st Airborne Division so that EOD units can support brigade combat teams on deployment.
"We are here and want to integrate through training and joint exercises," Langowski said.
The plans call for companies from the 184th battalion to deploy in conjunction with Fort Campbell units. Their counter-explosive expertise has much to offer.
EOD units operate under the motto "Defusing Danger." Whenever there is a suspected chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other high-yield explosive, they get the call. It is their job to evaluate, disable and remove the bomb before it does any damage.
Because of the recurring threat of IED during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, EOD units have become skilled at neutralizing roadside bombs. Their teams even help identify the materials and workmanship of the bomb maker.
"We are not dusting for prints, but we preserve the evidence for post-blast analysis," Langowski said.
During peacetime, EOD units are frequently called upon to scour a site for bomb threats in advance of military personnel arriving.
The 52nd EOD has a history of defusing explosive that extends back to World War II. They have been activated at several installations over the last 60 years. Their recent departure from Fort Gillem was prompted by the Pentagon's decision to close the installation.
When the transition is complete, more than 300 EOD Soldiers will be stationed at Fort Campbell. They will set up shop at a Clarksville Base facility near the Mabry Road gate.
Langowski, who took over command from Col. Kevin Lutz, described his new appointment a return to old stomping grounds. From 1998-2000, Langowski was a major in the 101st Airborne. He married here.
"My wife and I are ecstatic about being back here and a part of a storied division," Langowski said.
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