Military Ordnance Recovered from Assateague Island and Ocean Pines

WORCESTER COUNTY, MD - Authorities recovered two pieces of unexploded military ordnance in Worcester County on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The incidents involved responses from local fire marshals and the U.S. Air Force.

The first incident began at approximately 8:35 a.m. at Assateague Island National Seashore. The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office responded to a request from the National Park Service to assist with the recovery of a suspected military device.

A second discovery occurred later that afternoon at a private residence. Authorities recovered another device on Greenwood Lane in the Ocean Pines community. Investigators determined that a member of the public had transported the item from Assateague Island to the home.

Ocean City bomb squad units coordinated with the United States Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from Dover Air Force Base. Experts evaluated the items and identified both devices as likely M29A1 Practice Rockets. This type of military training ordnance is commonly known as the "Super Bazooka".

Assateague Island served as a military bombing and training range during World War II. Unexploded ordnance may still remain in certain areas of the park. These devices pose serious safety hazards, even when designated as "practice" munitions.

EOD personnel successfully rendered the devices safe and disposed of them properly. There were no reported injuries during either incident.

The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office reminds the community that unexploded ordnance is extremely dangerous. Members of the public should never touch, move, or transport these items.

If a suspicious object is found, individuals should leave the area immediately and call 911.