COCOA BEACH, Fla. – A World War II-era “practice bomb” was disposed of after being found Tuesday near an elementary school in Cocoa Beach, according to the U.S. Space Force.
The object was discovered by a construction crew that was breaking ground near Freedom 7 Elementary School, the Space Force wrote in a news release.
Following an initial response from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office — which identified the item as unexploded ordinance — airmen with the 45th Explosive Ordinance Disposal team further identified the object as an American-made World War II-era “practice bomb,” the release states.
Per the Space Force, this kind of “bomb” does not contain high explosives but is equipped with a smoke charge to mark its impact location during air-training exercises.
The team confirmed the device was safe to move and transported it to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for disposal, according to the release.
The 45th EOD flight provides first-responder support for all launches from Cape Canaveral SFS and Kennedy Space Center. They are also responsible for the location, identification, render safe, and disposal of hazardous unexploded conventional, chemical, and biological ordnance, as well as improvised explosives. The partnership between the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and 45th EOD is essential for ensuring public safety.
U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 45 Public Affairs Office (excerpt)
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