USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
STUTTGART, Germany – A World War II-era incendiary device was found, secured, and safely removed from a grassy area near Bowman Field on Patch Barracks this afternoon, April 8.
The discovery of the approximately 33 lb. (15kg) device was reported to Military Police shortly before 1 p.m. today, and an MP patrol arrived on scene within minutes to investigate and secure the immediate area. The USAG Stuttgart Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) then notified the German Polizei, and an explosive ordnance disposal team safely removed the projectile by approximately 3 p.m.
No evacuations or changes to traffic patterns were required due to the small size of the device, although school buses were rerouted to avoid the nearby road at dismissal time out of an abundance of caution. DES is investigating the circumstances around the unearthing of the device.
There were no reported injuries and there is no danger to the local community due to this incident.
However, it’s important to know that finding leftover unexploded ordnance (UXO) is not uncommon in Germany, even in urban areas like Stuttgart, and to train yourself and family members to be aware and act accordingly.
If you come across an item you suspect might be UXO, make sure not to touch, move, or disturb it in any way. Maintain a safe distance, instruct others to do the same, and immediately report the finding to the MP Desk (if on-post, at +49(0)7031-15-3102 or DSN 110) or Polizei (if off-post, at emergency number 110). These numbers are also available on the USAG Stuttgart mobile app.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the community’s ongoing cooperation and vigilance.
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