World War II-era bombs uncovered near runway Published March 7, 2006 By 1st Lt. Adrianne Michele and Dann Andrews 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 731st Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit here responded immediately to the end of a base runway Feb. 27 when construction crews uncovered two British Mark I 20-pound practice bombs, dating back to World War II era. "We disposed of the bombs by detonation on site because the fuse inside was active, and the bombs were (in) too dangerous of a condition to move," said Army Capt. Jonathon Cody, the 731st Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit commander. To ensure the safety of the base and local community members, security forces established a precautionary 2,500-foot cordon around the area, including a small part of State Highway 4 that closed for a short period. The cordon remained in place until the explosive ordnance disposal team completed controlled detonations. "Around the time of World War II, they disposed of things differently than we do now," said Col. Andrew K. Weaver, 88th Air Base Wing commander. "Sometimes we find these things, but now we're better equipped to dispose of them responsibly and ensure we're keeping our people and the environment out of harm's way."