Small deployment of IED specialists heads to Iraq

Thirteen soldiers specializing in dealing with explosive devices prepared to leave Fort Irwin and head to northern Iraq in a ceremony on post Monday. At the event, 1st Sgt. Mark Simeroth (left) grips the 759th Explosive Ordnance Company’s flag while Capt. Jonathan Ralston (second from left), the unit commander, completes the ceremonial casing of the colors.

Recently, the unit helped movie producers of the feature film “The Hurt Locker” create realistic scenes of soldiers defusing improvised explosive devices in the battlefield.