The Air Force's explosive ordinance disposal mission in Afghanistan is officially over. The U.S. branch of service has been a presence in the country for the past 12 years, assisting with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
According to Military Times, EOD airmen first began their service on Sept. 27, 2002, and went on to complete missions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The Air Force noted that throughout their time overseas EOD servicemembers responded to nearly 20,000 improvised explosive devices and completed just under 56,000 missions.
Over 100 Purple Hearts have been awarded to EOD soldiers in the past 12 years. The Air Force lost 20 airmen during this time, eight while serving in Iraq and 12 in Afghanistan.
"Knowing we didn't accomplish this alone, I think about our families, their sacrifices, keeping the home front going, growing up with dad or mom (in several cases both) gone on multiple trips to the AOR (area of responsibility) and the stress they went through," said Chief Master Sgt. Martin Cortez, EOD career field manager, in an American Forces Press Service article.
Military Times reported that the last airmen returned to a base in Florida on Sept. 14.