The U.S. Air Force safely disposed of a World War II-era practice bomb found on private property in southwestern unincorporated Mendocino County, the Air Force said.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Air Force after an object believed to be a military weapon was discovered Tuesday.
Federal law requires military explosives teams to respond when a suspected military weapon is found off base and ownership cannot be determined. In this case, the Air Force assisted local authorities with the investigation and disposal.
The 9th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Beale Air Force Base in Yuba County responded to the site near the community of Gualala.
The object was identified as an AN MK-23 World War II practice bomb. While designed for training, the bomb contained a small explosive charge that required professional handling.
Explosives technicians moved the device to a remote location and destroyed it using controlled explosives. Afterward, the team confirmed the area was safe and free of explosive hazards.
Officials emphasized that anyone who encounters a suspicious object that could be explosive should stay away from it and contact law enforcement rather than attempt to move or examine it.