Vladimir S. Gavaza,   born in Moscow in 1950. 
Commissioned officer with the Engineering Arms of the Ministry of Defense of Russia over 1967 to 2001. Graduated from Kaliningrad-based (Russia) High Military Engineering Academy to complete the training course with post-graduate studies to specialize in munitions.
In 1971 to 1981 served with the Russian Marines as officer of airborne mine clearance troops and survey diver. In 1995 to 2001 came to head the Artificial Obstacles Department of the Military Engineering Academy named after Kuybishev. Holds a PhD in Technical Sciences. Mr. Gavaza has extensive experience in clearing the aftermath of man-caused catastrophes and major technical failures including projects that called for special blasting operations:
May, 1986 – failure at Chernobil nuclear power station, Ukraine;
December, 1988 – earthquake in Leninakan and Spitak in Armenia, USSR;
September, 1991 – failure at Ufimsky oil refinery, Ufa, RF;
1993 – fire at KAMAZ engine plant, Naberezhniye Chelny, Russia;
November-December, 1995 – blowing up of launching shafts for strategic missiles in Vladimir Oblast, Russia;
February, 2000 – UXO land clearance and bringing down badly damaged buildings and facilities in Grozny, Chechnya;
October, 2002 – blasting operations in Karmadon Canyon, North Ossetia, to rescue the film-making group of Serguey Bodrov Jr.
Mr. Gavaza has been awarded the following state decorations:
Order of the Red Banner;
Order “For services to the State as part of the Armed Forces of the USSR”;
Order of Honour;
Order “For military merits”.
The operation to straighten up the aftermath of Ufimsky oil refinery failure was later awarded an entry in the Guinness Record Book.