U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ace Fry, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, secures a container to move an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Gualala, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The UXO was confirmed as a World War II AN MK-23 Practice Bomb, EOD technicians then coordinated with local authorities to relocate the UXO to a remote location and utilized C-4 explosive material obtained from an approved munitions storage area prior to the mission to safely dispose of the UXO. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force, by Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana

GUALALA, CA (MPG) - The 9th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, responded to Mendocino County, California, after local authorities reported the discovery of an item believed to be military Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) on private property, on Dec. 9.

By federal law, military Explosive Ordnance Disposal units are required to respond to discoveries of military Unexploded Ordnance found off base when ownership cannot be determined on scene. The response was conducted under Defense Support of Civil Authorities, a Department of War framework that allows military units to assist local, state and federal agencies when requested. In this case, the item was highly unlikely to belong to any entity other than the U.S. military, making an Explosive Ordnance Disposal response appropriate to ensure public safety.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryce Schott, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations non-commissioned officer in charge, and Senior Airman Ace Fry, 9th CES EOD technician, brief local authorities on the disposal procedures for an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Gualala, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The 9th CES EOD team responded to a call after local authorities reported a UXO on private property. The UXO was confirmed as a World War II AN MK-23 Practice Bomb. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force, by Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office initially contacted the 9th Security Forces Squadron, who then coordinated with the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. While Travis Air Force Base maintains its own Explosive Ordnance Disposal capabilities, based on geographical coverage areas and unit proximity, the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was assessed as the closest available responder for this portion of Mendocino County.

The item was confirmed to be a World War II AN MK-23 Practice Bomb. The Unexploded Ordnance contained explosive material from a spotting charge, requiring specialized handling and disposal by certified Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians.

During the operation, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians coordinated with local authorities to relocate the Unexploded Ordnance to a remote location and utilized C-4 explosive material obtained from an approved munitions storage area prior to the mission to safely dispose of the Unexploded Ordnance. Once it was destroyed, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians verified the scene was safe from all explosive hazards.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ace Fry, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, prepares a container to move an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Gualala, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The UXO was confirmed as a World War II AN MK-23 Practice Bomb, EOD technicians then coordinated with local authorities to relocate the UXO to a remote location and utilized C-4 explosive material obtained from an approved munitions storage area prior to the mission to safely dispose of the UXO. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force, by Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana

"We are committed to working alongside community partners and civil authorities to ensure the safety and security of the public,” said Staff Sgt. Bryce Schott, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.

A primary objective of all Explosive Ordnance Disposal response is public safety. Therefore, the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team emphasize that when suspicious or potentially explosive items are discovered, the safest course of action is for individuals to avoid the area and for law enforcement to contact qualified Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel.