World War II-Era Practice Bomb Found by Gualala Resident

U.S. Air Force disposal team sent to detonate it.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ace Fry, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, secures a container to move an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Gualala, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The UXO was confirmed as a World War II AN MK-23 Practice Bomb, EOD technicians then coordinated with local authorities to relocate the UXO to a remote location and utilized C-4 explosive material obtained from an approved munitions storage area prior to the mission to safely dispose of the UXO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana)

Residents of Old Stage Road in Gualala got a first-hand lesson in military history on Tuesday, December 9, when a World War II–era practice bomb exploded at Ocean Ridge Airport.

The device was detonated by the Beale Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which responded after a possible explosive device was reported near 38000 Sedalia Drive.

According to an account published by Beale Air Force Base, the object was identified as a World War II AN-MK 23 practice bomb containing explosive material.

A document published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers states that these bombs were used for low-altitude horizontal or dive-bombing practice.

The EOD team removed the device to a “remote location,” identified as Ocean Ridge Airport, where it was destroyed in a controlled detonation using C-4 explosives.

The Independent Coast Observer said the detonation was heard and felt on neighboring Old Stage Road.

South Coast Fire Protection District Chief Jason Warner told the Independent Coast Observer that the explosion caused no damage to buildings or property.