EOD destroys hundreds of pounds of deactivated rocket parts

Hot shrapnel flies hundreds of feet in the air when the Vandenberg’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team detonated an equivalent of 400 pounds of explosives April 26. Viewers stayed safe 3,000 feet from the explosion and the hazardous flying shrapnel, composed of propellant and hot metal fragments. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

EOD destroys hundreds of pounds of deactivated rocket parts

Connecting 250 pounds of C-4 together, Senior Airman Anthony Pascoe prepares for a large explosive operation at Vandenberg April 26. Explosive Ordnance Disposal, a unit of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, disposed of explosive Titan II and Titan IV rocket components.

EOD destroys hundreds of pounds of deactivated rocket parts

With a Titan IV explosive detonator component in his right hand, Staff Sgt. Robert Brown explains how much explosive it will take to destroy the 4-inch steel cap at Vandenberg April 25. Two explosions, at a combined 800 pounds of explosive power, destroyed rocket material from the deactivated Titan II and Titan IV programs. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler)

30th Launch Group welcomes new commander

Col. Carl Frushon gives his first speech as the new commander for the 30th Launch Group at the Pacific Coast Club April 20. Colonel Frushon is coming from Royal Air Force Menwith Hill, United Kingdon, as the director of the Systems Engineering Group. He was also at Vandenberg as a Titan IV Launch Manager with the 4th Space Launch Squadron from September 1993 to September 1994. Colonel Frushon is prepared to take on the duties of the 30th Launch Group and continue the display of excellence at Vandenberg. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Adam Guy)

Whether the weather be fair...

During the final stages of flight preparation, Brad Barclay, Central Coast Weather Associates contractor, seals a helium balloon with cord at the 30th Weather Squadron building, April 11. The 30th WS releases balloons twice a day, 365 days a year.(Photo by Airman Jonathan Olds)

Whether the weather be fair...

A weather balloon begins its ascent after Brad Barclay releases it from the 30th Weather Squadron building April 11. The Central Coast Weather Associates contractor uses the balloons for weather forecasting and to provide a snap-shot of the atmosphere when released simultaneously with 300 other sites world wide. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Plew)