The 716th Ordnance Company (EOD) was first activated as the 167th Bomb Disposal Squad on 20 March 1944 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Upon activation, the unit immediately deployed to Europe and participated in campaigns in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. The 167th was redesignated as the 167th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squad on 21 September 1951 and then reactivated o
n 5 October 1951 at Raritan Arsenal, New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, the unit was assigned to the US Army Garrison Alaska at Fort Richardson. On 16 August 1954, the unit was re-designated and reorganized as the 176th Ordnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). On 16 October 1997, the 176th was again reorganized and redesignated as the 716th Ordnance Company (EOD). The 716th has since deployed three times in support of continuing overseas contingency operations and the War on Terrorism. First to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) from 2004-2005; then to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) from 2008-2009; and lastly back to Afghanistan from 2011-2012 in support of OEF. While serving in garrison, the 716th Ordnance Company (EOD) supports US military forces and civil authorities within the entire landmass of Alaska. In addition, the unit supports the Joint Personnel Accountability Command (JPAC) missions throughout Southeast Asia.
