Senator Rubio Has a "Blast" at EOD School

Eglin, AFB, Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) last week to tour the school and several of its practical training areas.

Rubio visited the EOD Memorial and the current military construction project at NAVSCOLEOD, which includes the establishment of training spaces for divisions that are currently housed in temporary facilities, as well as other infrastructure and security enhancements.

The Senator also viewed IED tools and was able to try on an 80-pound bomb suit. Following an explanation by Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Small of the Demolition Division, Rubio was allowed to clear the range, shout, "Fire in the Hole" and initiate a detonation from a safe distance.

In a meeting with EOD students and staff members following the tour, Rubio said, "Time and again in this country we've sent brave young men and women like yourselves abroad to secure other people's freedoms, and then turn their country over to them to come back home and take care of ours. You're on the front lines of that and there is nothing I can say to express my gratitude. I want to thank all of you on behalf of the people of Florida."