Construction crews in Colorado uncovered a World War II-era bomb while working on a housing development project in Aurora. The bomb was identified as a Mark 23 Mod 1, one of three mini bombs used for bomb training during the war. Weighing 3 pounds, the bomb was mostly used for land targets and was not capable of being used against armored-deck target boats. Despite the potential danger, experts determined that the bomb posed no threat nearly a century after it was launched into the ground.
The bomb was found buried in what was once the Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, which was used by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Air National Guard for bomb training and military armament from 1938 to 1963. The property, spanning about 100 square miles, is still being cleaned up for munitions remnants. Construction crews have been building a housing development on the site despite the ongoing cleanup efforts. The bomb found this week is now in the possession of the Buckley Space Force Base, which is responsible for handling military matters related to space.
Due to the historic nature of the bomb and the area in which it was found, bomb squads were called in to investigate the relic. X-rays confirmed that the bomb was not dangerous and did not contain any active explosives. This discovery serves as a reminder of the military history of the area and the training exercises that took place during World War II. The fact that the bomb remained hidden for so long without posing a threat is a testament to the safety measures taken during its use and the subsequent cleanup efforts.
Experts are continuing to clean up munitions from the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, even as construction crews work on the housing development project. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment is overseeing the cleanup efforts to ensure the safety of the area and prevent any potential hazards from being unearthed. The discovery of the bomb highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in cleaning up former military training grounds and ensuring that they are safe for future development and habitation.
The unearthing of the World War II-era bomb in Colorado could have had explosive consequences if not for the expertise of bomb squads and the safety measures in place. The bomb, used for training purposes during the war, provides a glimpse into the military history of the area and the training exercises conducted by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Air National Guard. Despite the potential danger posed by the bomb, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the efforts taken to ensure the safety of civilians in the area.
In conclusion, the discovery of the World War II-era bomb in Colorado sheds light on the military history of the region and the ongoing efforts to clean up former training grounds. The bomb, found on the site of a housing development project, serves as a reminder of the training exercises conducted during the war and the precautions taken to prevent accidents. The cleanup efforts being undertaken by experts demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the safety of the area and preventing any potential hazards from arising. The bomb’s discovery, though potentially dangerous, ultimately poses no threat nearly a century after it was launched into the ground.
