303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD)

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The 303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (often shortened to 303D OD BN (EOD)) is one of nine explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) battalions of the United States Army, with a lineage dating back to World War II. As of 2025, it is the only U.S. Army EOD battalion stationed outside the continental United States. [1]

Contents

303rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
303DODBN(EOD).jpg
Unofficial unit logo
Active16 October 2009- Present
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
BranchFlag of the United States Army.svg United States Army
Type Sustainment and support
Role Explosive ordnance disposal
SizeBattalion
Part of 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, United States Army Pacific Command via the United States Army Ordnance Corps
Garrison/HQSchofield Barracks
Nickname(s)303D OD BN (EOD)
Motto(s)"Forged in Fire- Ready to Protect" "HO’OHANOHANO"
ColorsRed, gold, and black
Mascot(s)The Pheonix
Commanders
Battalion CommanderLTC Clinton Pierce
Command Sergeant MajorCSM Donald Petrie

Activation

The battalion was reactivated on September 15, 2009, during a ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. This reactivation marked the first time the unit’s colors were unfurled since its inactivation in Germany in 1976. At the time of its reactivation, the battalion was composed of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, along with two companies: the 74th and the 706th. It operates under the 8th Military Police Brigade, which is part of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command.

Mission

Subordinate units

Lineage

Training and Partnerships

Unit Lineage and Honors

The 303rd Ordnance Battalion originates back to World War II, with a history of contributions to explosive ordnance disposal. Since its establishment, the unit has undergone several activations and inactivations, with its most recent reactivation occurring in 2009, and still currently conducting EOD operations in the Pacific region. [12]

Distinctive Unit Insignia

(Pictured). The 303D Ordnance Battalion Unit Crest 303D OD BN Crest.png
(Pictured). The 303D Ordnance Battalion Unit Crest

Description

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width overall consisting of a black Torii gate surmounted by a gold spanner within an encircling gold scroll inscribed “ASSURED QUALITY” in black letters, the ends of the scroll terminating at the head of the spanner, all on a crimson background. The DUI was approved in 1969 for the 303rd Maintenance Battalion and redesignated in 2009 for the 303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD). [13]

Notable Events

• Inactivation of the 706th EOD Company: On August 3, 2016, the battalion held an inactivation ceremony for the 706th Ordnance Company (EOD) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The company has an operational history from participation in World War II and the Global War on Terrorism.

• Redeployment of the 71st Chemical Company: In November 2022, the 71st Chemical Company returned to Schofield Barracks following a nine-month deployment to the Republic of South Korea. [14] During this rotation, the company participated in various training missions, including decontamination exercises and combined arms training. [15]

• 74th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 303D Ordnance Battalion, Wins USARPAC Team of the Year Competition Two Years Running (2016). [16] [17]

Honors and Decorations

Honors

Decorations

References

  1. "Army Chief of Staff tours Army Watercraft; views EOD and Dive capabilites". DVIDS. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  2. "303rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD) Activates in Hawaii". United States Army. September 16, 2009. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  3. "U.S. Army Center of Military History - Lineage and Honors Information". www.history.army.mil. Archived from the original on November 9, 2010. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  4. "71st Chemical Company redeploys to Schofield Barracks". www.army.mil. 2022-11-15. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  5. "71st Chemical Company | Lineage and Honors". www.history.army.mil. Archived from the original on December 17, 2016. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  6. "74th Ordnance Company | Lineage and Honors". www.history.army.mil. Archived from the original on April 30, 2017. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  7. "706th Ordnance Company". www.history.army.mil. Archived from the original on June 21, 2008. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  8. "Active Duty, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD". goordnance.army.mil. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  9. 1 2 "303d Ordnance Battalion Lineage and Honors". U.S. Army Center of Military History. U.S. Army. Archived from the original on November 9, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2024.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  10. "Multinational EOD technicians dispose WWII ERWs during Operation Render Safe in Nauru". U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  11. "303rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers Ensure Safety, Train with Royal Thai Army in Co". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  12. "Ordnance Field Service: The Army's System of Armament Maintenance and Supply". Army Ordnance. 21 (126): 630–634. 1941. ISSN   0097-3696. JSTOR   45471182.
  13. Vining, Mike R. Army Bomb Disposal & EOD Badges, Lineage and Heraldry. South Fork, Colorado, 14 October 2024.
  14. Carrie. "Chemical". 25th Infantry Division Association. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  15. "71st Chemical Company redeploys to Schofield Barracks". DVIDS. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  16. "74th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Co. Wins USARPAC Team of the Year Competition Two Years R". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  17. Military.com. "Army Explosive Experts Compete for Top Honors". Military.com. Retrieved 2025-02-02.
  18. "General Orders No. 2014-06, Meritorious Unit Commendation" (PDF). Headquarters, Department of the Army. April 8, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2024.