12th Ordinance Battalion returns to Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class DeAndre Curtiss
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman Air Force Base welcomed home members of the Army's 12th Ordinance Battalion September 26, after originally being stationed here 53 years ago.

The 12th Ordinance Battalion (Special Weapons Depot) was stationed at Holloman from 1953 to 1955. 

"It feels great to be back here, to be here and see where I came from really represents my growing up," said (retired) U.S. Army Master Sgt. Edward Pruit. 

The 12th Ordinance Battalion stood up as a top secret unit that dealt with the development and testing of atomic weapons. While active they supported six different types of atomic weapons. 

"We were dealing with atomic weapons at a time when they were very dangerous, very secret, and very powerful, we didn't know how important it was at the time but we know now," said (retired) U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer James Ogle. 

The 12th Ordinance Battalion returned to Holloman to donate a stone marker to be placed at Heritage Park. The stone is a gift to Holloman in the name of those who served in the 12th Ordinance Battalion. 

"The stone is simply a reminder to all that the 12th Ordinance Battalion did exist and at one time was a tenant at Holloman Air Force Base," said Mr. Pruit.