Army Protects Cultural Resources During UXO Detonation

Makua Military Reservation, Hawaii the Army successfully detonated in place several UXO that were located within close proximity to an ancient petroglyph. The UXO were discovered during a recent range sweep conducted along the leeward coast of the reservation to make the area safe for a native Hawaiian group to conduct cultural observances in the area.

Under a 2001 settlement agreement, the Army has to provide access to the range area for select groups for cultural and religious purposes. At least three UXO items were discovered and destroyed including a fused World War II-era 250 pound bomb (shown below), a 106 mm recoilless rifle round and a high explosive 81 mm mortar round.

The significant part about the operation was the extreme lengths that the Army went through to protect not only the safety of personnel but the nearby cultural resources as well. Reportedly, the Army used thousands of sandbags for blast protection as well as helicopters to aid in security and fire control. The nearby vegetation was also doused with water as an measure to reduce the potential for a fire.

The detonations were successful, no injuries or damage was reported. The Army is now conducting a follow up sweep of the area to remove the frag and the sand bags to make way for the cultural visit.