Todd Putnam

The Minefield Maintenance Team GDF at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was established during the Cold War to maintain and service the extensive landmine fields surrounding the naval base's perimeter. Tasked with ensuring the integrity and safety of these defensive installations, the team conducted regular inspections, mine replacement, and clearance of vegetation to prevent accidental detonations. The unit played a critical role in base security, especially during periods of heightened tensions with Cuba. With advancements in security technology and changing diplomatic relations, the team’s responsibilities were gradually reduced, leading to the eventual deactivation of the minefields in the late 1990s.