Members of the Royal Thai navy’s Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Division – Ordnance Department received a demonstration from members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 while visiting the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) May 27.
The tour showcased a joint effort to exchange knowledge of each other’s operations.
“We combine with U.S. EOD every year for the Gara exercise and Cobra Gold exercise,” said Lt. Cmdr. Somkuan Sungtsont, commander of Diver and EOD Division of Royal Thai navy. “This meeting was to prepare for those exercises.”
While on board, the Thai guests saw fast roping, equipment and the EOD small unmanned ground vehicle (SUGV).
“We had a great time,” said Sungtsont. “I liked their weapons. We have about the same equipment, but theirs is newest of the new.”
Members of EODMU 11 visited their Thai counterparts earlier that week to learn from them as well.
“A couple days ago we taught them about homemade bombs since that’s what they’re encountering most right now,” said Lt. j.g. Thomas Rollow, EODMU 11 Platoon 11-0-1 officer in charge. “They’re disarming bombs every day. They’re real experts in the sense of the word.”
EODMU 11 is part of Nimitz Strike Group and deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
[mappress] Press Release, May 28, 2013