A LIVE military ordnance has been excavated at a private project site near Sablan Rock Quarry in Sadog Tasi.
Ampro, a Guam-based engineering support for ordnance and explosives, along with personnel from the Emergency Management Office, retrieved the depth charge from a site where a 12-unit apartment is being constructed.
John Scott, an ordnance and explosives expert and owner of Ampro, said it is “unusual” to find a depth charge in an area so far from the water.
“This is dangerous—it is still full. It is dropped from a boat and used against submarines. Were it not for EMO and the project contractor, this depth charge could have posed risks. Somebody must have brought it up here, but for what purpose we don’t know,” said Scott.
The live World War II ordnance, which weighs about 300 lbs., was immediately transferred to the EMO bunker for future disposal.
Joe Sablan of EMO’s Response and Recovery Section said the ordnance was first found on April 18, and was only retrieved yesterday.
“We were not sure what it was so we waited for the experts to come in and retrieve it to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Sablan.
Scott said a depth charge was also found on Rota five years ago.
“But that was found in the water. These are usually located in the pier or near the water. This one is found up here,” said Scott.
Sablan advised the general public to immediately contact EMO or the Department of Public Safety regarding any suspected World War II military equipment.
EMO is currently coordinating with the U.S. Navy’s Explosives Ordnance Disposal on Guam for the proper detonation of unexploded ordnance retrieved since Dec. 2001.
