WESTFIELD, Mass. – Over 500 Soldiers and Airmen from the Massachusetts National Guard provided support Monday during the 123rd Boston Marathon.
The 104th Fighter Wing provided aid by sending experienced security forces Airmen and Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians to the event.
Airmen worked with their Army and civilian counterparts along the 26.2-mile route to ensure the safety of all racers and spectators.
“We increase manpower and response capabilities,” said Master Sgt. Rob Krider, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron EOD operations noncommissioned officer in charge. “We’re also building partnerships and increasing agency interoperability.”
Also, the EOD team can bring additional equipment that helps ensure safety, such as a total containment vessel. The TCVs eliminate risk by allowing EOD technicians to contain and transport explosives safely.
According to Krider, having their personnel on site is a great way to provide domestic operations capabilities to Massachusetts while also training newer Airmen.