A “Media Day” was held at the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) on April 10. The event, attended in by media from the Northwest Florida area, was held to spread awareness regarding the school’s mission, as well as the course of study taught to Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and international military students.

Justin Heinze, a military reporter for the Northwest Florida Daily News, shared: “Our paper hadn’t been out to the school for a couple of years, so the media day was a big deal for us… They explained in great detail how exact and realistic all the training scenarios were, the same things they would face in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was also impressed with the attitude of the instructors and students and how EOD Technicians are a fraternity, a brotherhood.”

Members of the media were given an opportunity to observe a graduation rehearsal, as well as interview several students and instructors about their experiences at NAVSCOLEOD. They were also able to witness a live detonation; watch students operate EOD robots; and try on an 85-pound bomb suit.

Lt. Cmdr. Rudy Schoen, executive officer at NAVSCOLEOD, shared: “The feedback we received from the media was universally positive and our first NAVSCOLEOD Media Day was time well-spent for both sides… It was a great opportunity to establish relationships with the local media, while offering insight into the high-risk EOD training that we provide to joint-service students and our partner nations.”