Meet Brimstone’s Dedicated Team at RAF Cowden: National Engineering Day Spotlight

Today, on National Engineering Day, we join individuals and organisations across the UK in celebrating the essential contributions engineers make to our world. Engineers shape the future, drive innovation, and solve complex challenges that improve everyday life.

This year’s theme highlights the role of engineers in creating sustainable solutions for a better future. At Brimstone, sustainability is a key focus of our explosives engineering work. In honour of this day, we want to spotlight our exceptional team at the former air weapons range, RAF Cowden, where we have successfully introduced new sustainable UXO disposal practices.

Meet our explosives engineering team at RAF Cowden

Brimstone is fortunate to have a highly skilled EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team at RAF Cowden, bringing decades of expertise in UXO clearance and risk mitigation. Our team members have extensive military backgrounds, providing the critical skills needed for safe and effective UXO disposal.

Paul Duckworth MBE – Site Manager & Senior EOD Engineer

Paul Duckworth MBE leads the team as Site Manager and Senior EOD Engineer. A military veteran, Paul served 25 years as an Aircraft Weapons Engineer (Armourer) in the Royal Air Force (RAF), during which he was also a member of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. He was awarded an MBE in 1995 for his service in this role.

His final RAF position was Chief Technician Senior Bomb Disposal Officer at RAF Cowden, where he oversaw day-to-day operations, UXO clearance, and stakeholder engagement. Given his experience, Paul was the perfect choice to lead our DIO contract at Cowden.

“I jumped at the opportunity to return to Cowden with Brimstone. Managing the site from 1999 to 2004 required balancing landscape preservation, environmental concerns, and the clearance of thousands of UXO. The skills I developed then have seamlessly transferred to my work at Brimstone.”

Steve Aldred – UXO Site Engineer

Steve Aldred joined the RAF at age 18 as a Weapons Technician. After being promoted to Sergeant in 1986, he attended the Defence EOD School at Chattenden. His EOD career took him across various operational sites, including RAF North Coates, FAWR Goswick Sands, Bowes Moor (Chemical MU), the Falkland Islands, and Kuwait.

Before joining Brimstone in 2021, Steve worked as an Explosives Advisor to a barrister specialising in small arms and explosives-related cases. His wealth of knowledge enhances our UXO risk management at Cowden.

Dan Field – EOD Site Supervisor

Dan Field began his career in the British Army at age 17, training at the Army Technical Foundation College in Arborfield. His service took him across Iraq, Canada, Germany, and Afghanistan. After leaving the Army, Dan completed his EOD Level 2 and 3 qualifications before joining Brimstone in 2021.

Together, Paul, Steve, and Dan utilise their vast military and EOD expertise to manage UXO contamination at RAF Cowden, ensuring safe and efficient clearance operations.

Implementing sustainable UXO disposal practices

Brimstone is committed to continuous improvement in our UXO risk mitigation strategies. At RAF Cowden, we have successfully implemented more efficient and environmentally conscious UXO disposal methods.

Key sustainable achievements:

• Reduced Plastic Explosive Quantities: By optimising UXO disposal techniques, we have cut plastic explosive usage, reducing environmental impact and improving safety on-site.
• 50% Reduction in Explosives Costs: More efficient disposal methods have led to significant cost savings without compromising effectiveness.
• Lower Noise Levels for Local Residents: The reduction in explosives has minimised noise pollution, improving the quality of life for nearby communities.
• Stronger Stakeholder Relationships: By prioritising environmental considerations, we have fostered positive engagement with local authorities and residents.

These advancements not only enhance Brimstone’s sustainability credentials but also set a benchmark for responsible UXO clearance in the UK.

Future sustainability initiatives

While our current progress is promising, we continue to explore new and innovative UXO disposal methods in collaboration with the RAF, DIO, and local authorities. Our team is working on additional sustainable solutions, and we look forward to sharing updates soon.

Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for upcoming announcements!

Our commitment to sustainable engineering solutions

National Engineering Day is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of sustainable engineering solutions. Our work at RAF Cowden exemplifies this commitment, demonstrating how innovation, environmental responsibility, and community engagement go hand in hand.

By continually improving UXO clearance processes and minimising environmental impact, we aim to set a new standard in explosives engineering and contribute positively to our industry and the wider community.

For a detailed case study on our work at RAF Cowden please click here, and to learn more about our disposal practices, please click here.

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