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# World War II-Era Practice Bomb Found by Gualala Resident
- URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/practice-bomb-found-in-gualala/
- Published: 2025-12-14T21:16:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:40.000Z
- Description: U.S. Air Force disposal team sent to detonate it.
- Author: Elise Cox
- Tags: News, #Migrated-1785959471687, #Import 2026-08-05 12:53

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](https://www.beale.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4358079/beale-eod-team-safely-disposes-of-military-ordnance-found-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news), 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](https://www.swf.usace.army.mil/portals/47/docs/environmental/fuds/5points/specs/anmk.PDF?ref=mendolocal.news) 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.