The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight of the 96th Civil Engineer Group at the base — the largest and busiest of all the service's EOD units — "have a couple missions already scheduled to go and support him for some […] holidays before he takes the oath," said Christopher Schott, the group's superintendent, according to Military.com.
Since Trump's inauguration will be the biggest event in 2017, around four to six teams of airmen will be contributed by the 96th group, Schott said. In total, around 200 EOD teams from all the services will be involved.
Over the last fiscal year the EOD flight had 480 missions. "Because it's an election year, we stay pretty busy on the trail with the campaign with the candidates, the conventions," Schott said.
There are currently 1,200 airmen in the EOD disposal technician field. The Air Force now is working to increase that number to 1,400.
Since 2001, more than 20 technicians have been killed in America's wars in the Middle East, with some 140 seriously injured. Around 300 airmen are reported to have post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Meanwhile in New York, above another of Trump's homes, Trump Tower, a no-fly zone remains imposed until he enters the White House. This is said to be routine after elections. Aircraft are banned from flying below 3,000 feet and within a 2-nautical-mile radius of the building.
