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  • Tech. Sgt. Ferdinand Smith of the Patrick Explosive Ordnance Disposal team prepares the flexible explosives that will be detonated to dispose of the charges buried by his feet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman David Dobrydney)

    Up in smoke with the EOD team

    If you heard an explosion from Cape Canaveral Nov. 30, don't be alarmed.It was the Patrick AFB Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team doing its job on the range. These Airmen sometimes like to make things go boom!Most often, the team disposes of flares that wash up on the beach or World War II-era ordnance that turns up. Last week the team went to

  • 'Tis the season...to be vigilant

    Many of us hear a lot of talk about the increase in crime during the holiday season. We are warned time and again to lock our doors, make sure we know who we are doing business with, and to keep our wits when we are out in public, especially when in a crowd.A current, long-time employee of Patrick Air Force Base recently learned that lesson the

  • Taking a bite out of crime; new dog joins security forces

    At 11 years old, Arko was one of the older dogs attached to the 45th Security Forces Squadron, and the strain of being a military working dog had taken its toll."It gets to the point where they can't work anymore due to age," said Staff Sgt. Russell Waldon, a dog handler for the 45th SFS. In most cases, the dog is offered for adoption by a local
  • Gregg Kraver, the new Executive Director of the 45th Space Wing (Photo by Airman David Dobrydney)

    New Executive Director brings wealth of experience

    When Gregg Kraver, formerly of the 45th Launch Group, was told he had been selected to be executive director of the 45th Space Wing earlier this month, it was a high point to an already long and full career.He grew up in the Satellite Beach area, where his father served as chief of maintenance and logistics for the Eastern Space and Missile Systems

  • Telling how they "Do Something Amazing"

    In the shadow of Space Launch Complex 41 with the Atlas V rocket perched atop the pad, Mike McCoy, Bandito Brothers film director, interviewed members of the 5th Space Launch Squadron."So, tell me about your job?" Mike asked in his easy going interview style. This interview, along with many others with 45th Space Wing Airmen, was conducted Oct.

  • Local retirees reflect on Air Force's first day

    Two local retirees, who were on active duty when the Air Force became a separate service, reflected on the historic day.When Joseph Pannitto joined in January 1947, he enlisted in the Army Air Force. "I was just a young kid, I wasn't interested in politics," he said, "but I was interested in planes."It was during his training at the signal school

  • 'Number please?' Operator has been on job for 50 years

    When Ruth Wotring, also known as "Operator 13," started working on the switchboard at Patrick AFB in 1957 gas was 31 cents per gallon, Dwight D. Eisenhower was President, the Soviets launched "Sputnik" and there were only 48 states in the union. She celebrated 50 years of service July 1.When Ms. Wotring, now a contractor for the 45th Space

  • Stand proud with the Patrick Honor Guard

    In his off time, Airman 1st Class Marcus Torbert pursues modeling. Staff Sgt. Jennifer Drake has performed professionally on Broadway. Yes, they definitely lead exciting lives. However, for one week per month, they do something that each are proud and thrilled to do: they don crisp blue uniforms and spotless white gloves while performing at such

  • 'Texas Hold 'em' big deal at Patrick

    Cigar smoke doesn't fill the air and no one will lose their paycheck on a bad "flop," but there's no mistaking - the Tides has "Texas Hold 'em." Frank Martinez, The Tides operations manager, partnered with the owner of Finaltabletour.com to bring professional Texas Hold 'em dealers and equipment to the club to give players a Texas Hold 'em
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