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THE PRIMER

SPRing 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. LETTER FROM CAPT CORNELL
  2. AROUND THE FORCE
  3. ARTEMIS II DIVERS
  4. FIRST CONTACT : ARTEMIS II MEDICAL TEAM
  5. ARCTIC SPECIALIST 2026
  6. ARCTIC EDGE 2026
  7. EODMU-12 IN HALIFAX
  8. COBRA GOLD 2026
  9. EODMU-2 COMPLETES FORCE ALIGNED BASIC PHASE TRAINING
  10. FORGING MASTERY
  11. PUSHING BOUNDARIES: NAVSCOLEOD
  12. IS NAVY EOD PREPARED FOR THE NEXT MARITIME CONFLICT?
  13. EODMU-12 CHANGE OF COMMAND
  14. EODTEU-2 CHANGE OF COMMAND
  15. EODMU-5 PORT CLEARANCE
  16. NAVSCOLEOD HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER
  17. STRIKE PT SUPPORTS OLYMPICS
  18. TWO WORLDS, ONE MINDSET
  19. NECC SHORE SAILOR OF THE YEAR
  20. 2025 BATTLE "E" WINNERS
  21. 2025 RETENTION EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

Letter from CAPT CORNELL

Teammates, As my time at EODGRU-1 comes to an end, I’ve reflected on what must remain constant across this force: teamwork, readiness, and an uncompromising standard of excellence. That balance is what allows us to push limits and deliver the most capable EOD and MDS force to our nation and the joint force. Teamwork is our center of gravity. We are in a period that demands more from all of us. During this season of change, I’ve watched leaders at every level across the community step up, lean in, set clear expectations, and hold one another accountable. That is the standard. While there is still work to do, we are moving in the right direction. Change must not isolate us, but instead drive alignment. It is an opportunity to reinforce trust, sharpen communication, and ensure consistency in how we execute the mission. Strong teams do not wait for stability; they create it through shared ownership and disciplined execution. Readiness is not just a buzzword. It is the measure of what we can deliver when it matters most, especially as we continue to operate in environments where there is no margin for hesitation or indecision. Whether executing Arctic training in Alaska and across Europe, conducting diving operations on a shipwreck in Subic Bay, or recovering a space capsule and astronauts that just traveled around the Moon, the expectation of readiness is unchanged.  These proven capabilities are not built through last-minute effort. They are the result of disciplined training, enforced standards, and trust in the team to execute under pressure. Excellence is not occasional; it is the baseline. As individuals, we are drawn to routine and predictability. This profession offers neither. It demands flexibility with its dynamic schedules, evolving missions, and sustained high performance. The pace of operations will not slow, and the demand for what we provide will not diminish. Those are not variables we control. What we do control is how we show up for each other, how we lead, how we prepare, and how we enforce standards across our teams. The stories and photos in this edition of the Primer are a highlight reel of the great work happening across the formation every day. They are just a few snapshots of the professionalism, discipline, and commitment that define this community. Thank you for your continued efforts and your commitment to this force. I remain confident in where we are headed as we enter our 85th year. Very respectfully, and go Navy, C.A. Cornell

AROUND

THE

FORCE

ARTEMIS II

Marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the U.S. Navy and NASA, Navy divers and dive medical providers supported the historic open water recovery of the Artemis II astronauts and Orion space craft in April 2026.

From Deep Space to Deep Sea Divers: How U.S. Navy Divers Recovered Orion and its Crew

SAN DIEGO - A small team of U.S. Navy divers, assigned to units under Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, recovered the Artemis II crew and Orion space craft upon their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean following a historic 10-day lunar mission April 10, 2026. All Navy divers must complete basic Navy dive school, but for the Artemis II mission, teams of divers visited the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and participated in a series of underway recovery tests for specialized training. Drilling different scenarios while using recovery tools and equipment, sometimes with the astronauts themselves in attendance, provided a twofold benefit: it bolstered both diver skillsets and astronaut rapport with the recovery team.

“As the hatch door opened, you could tell that it was like old friends greeting each other after a long trip,” said Master Chief Navy Diver Ryan Crider, from Mililani, Hawaii. “There was nothing but love, appreciation and respect between the Navy and NASA in that moment.”
NDCM Ryan Crider

As the recovery master diver for the mission, Crider, assigned to EODGRU 1, oversaw and coordinated the movement of equipment and divers and led communication between all involved assets to safely recover the astronauts and spacecraft. His experience in the effort began before the launch of Artemis I in 2022.

The recovery began April 10 with a sonic boom as Orion reentered the atmosphere before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Divers moved quickly toward the spacecraft on small boats to begin operations. After conducting safety checks for hazardous gases on the capsule’s exterior, the team commenced recovery procedures. As the lead in-water recovery diver, Navy Diver 1st Class Chase Marini, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, was responsible for the deployment and attachment of recovery platforms to Orion. This included an inflatable raft known as the front porch and a stabilization collar used to keep Orion steady during the medical assessment and extraction of the crew. Once the platforms were successfully deployed, Marini, from El Dorado Hills, Calif., assisted the first-contact medical team with the safe exit of the astronauts from the spacecraft onto the front porch.

“Both the training for and execution of this historic event has been an incredible experience,” said Marini. “I’ll never forget the time we shared with the Integrity crew as we sat on the front porch prior to their lift back to the ship on helicopters. We were excited to welcome them back to Earth and be a part of their journey home.”

After the astronauts were safely transported by helicopter to amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), divers shifted focus to preparing the Orion capsule for safe recovery into the ship’s well deck. As sea and daylight conditions changed, the team worked into the evening, applying their expertise in rigging and salvage until Orion was ultimately returned to the ship in the early morning hours.

“Despite initially calm seas and clear skies, we encountered some unexpected currents, and we had to change our plan accordingly,” said Chief Navy Diver August Dhayer. “The ocean always holds a vote, so we reacted quickly. Precise coordination and communication became critical as we towed the space craft back to the Murtha. ”

Dhayer, from Norwalk, Calif., managed the 10-person team of divers and medical personnel who made first contact with the Artemis II crew.

“Navy divers serve in a variety of roles across the fleet, so selection for this mission came down to qualifications and timing,” said Marini. “While the world watched this recovery, I hope it saw years of preparation by dedicated professionals and experienced recovery teams.”

The partnership between the Department of War and NASA in human spaceflight recovery operations dates back to 1959. Early missions relied on Navy underwater demolition teams and aircraft carriers, establishing a legacy that continues through modern recovery efforts.

“Navy divers have been instrumental in developing the tactics and procedures required for the safe recovery of both astronauts and crew modules,” said Shawn Murray, NASA Artemis master diver and retired Navy master diver. “Their critical continuity of service in support of NASA and human space flight undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of the Artemis II recovery.”

Although Crider will retire before future Artemis III and IV missions, he expressed confidence in the continued strength of the Navy-NASA partnership.

“We have set the standard for what comes next, and I know these teams will continue to succeed,” said Crider. “This experience has been the highlight of my career. To the next generation: train hard, give it your all, and stay ready.”

U.S. Navy divers assigned to EODGRU 1 supported NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years.

The dive crew of Artemis II

First Contact: Meet the Dive Medical Recovery Team of Artemis II

Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Wang, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Laddy Aldridge, Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Steve Kapala make up the dive medical team who were the first to open the Orion capsule upon its return to Earth, making initial medical assessments of the Artemis II crew and assisting them out of the capsule safely and efficiently. They provided initial one-on-one assistance to Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover respectively. Training for this mission has been a years-long process between the four team members as the first-contact medical providers inside the capsule. Often working in expeditionary warfare communities, Navy dive medical personnel are certified divers and undergo specialized training, making them experts in decompression illnesses and other undersea medical considerations. Their mission is to care for and ensure dive-qualified service members are safe to conduct diving operations. Following Orion’s reentry into Earth’s atmosphere and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, the medical team entered the capsule to conduct initial exams for the crew and assisted the astronauts in egress onto the inflatable raft set up outside by other Navy divers. The first-contact medical providers then prepared the crew to be airlifted by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 back to amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) for follow on evaluations. Wang, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, served as the lead for the four-man team. From Laguna Beach, Calif., he is a board-certified emergency medicine doctor by trade, having completed residency training at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, New York. He joined the Navy in 2021 and was designated as an undersea medical officer in 2024.

“As a proud member of the undersea medical community, I was particularly humbled to play a part in this mission,” Wang said. “It was the honor of a lifetime to stand ready to provide the absolute best care to the Artemis II crew.”

Aldridge, from Cushing, Okla., was the first member to make contact with the crew upon their return to Earth. Assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 1, he opened the capsule, entered the space, and began medical assessments.

“Coming from three generations of military service in my family, I’m honored to have served as the senior dive independent duty corpsman for this mission,” Aldridge said. “This effort is the culmination of both our training to bring world class care to the Artemis II crew and countless dedicated years of Navy Diving and Navy medicine.”

Dive independent duty corpsmen like Aldridge, Link, and Kapala are specifically trained in dive medicine. Link, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1, is the third member of the team and hails from Chelsea, Mass. He has 18 years of experience in dive medicine, but he shares that this mission is already a highlight of his career.

“I have been exposed to the Navy since I was a young teenager, and I’m proud to represent both my family and hometown,” Link said. “Contributing our efforts to NASA and the Artemis II mission is something we take great pride in as part of that legacy.”

The fourth member, Kapala, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11, hails from Alpena, Mich., and has been practicing dive medicine since 2018. He notes the significance of the historical mission as a unified effort, both for himself and everyone involved.

“I grew up reading sci-fi novels and watching space movies, never thinking that I would play a part in a recovery mission like this,” Kapala said. “It was surreal to play a part in safely recovering the astronauts from the capsule to get them home safe to their families, an effort that really makes you realize this team is bigger than just the four of us.”

With immense levels of experience and specialized training under their belts, this team of expeditionary medical providers gave the Artemis II crew a warm welcome back to Earth following their 10-day lunar mission.

“Our fellow divers, the Sailors on the ship, the helicopter squadron, our partners at NASA, and everyone supporting this mission safely brought the Artemis II crew home,” Wang said. “This team undoubtedly made history.”

U.S. Navy Divers assigned to EODGRU-1 were underway on USS John P. Murtha in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years.

ARCTIC SPECIALIST 2026

EOD TECHNICIANS PROVE ARCTIC WARFARE READINESS IN NORWAY

KRISTIANSAND, Norway - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit EIGHT (EODMU-8), assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, completed Exercise Arctic Specialist 26 alongside Allied forces from Norway, and Sweden, February 3-12, 2026. Arctic Specialist is an annual Norwegian-hosted multinational exercise focused on expeditionary mine countermeasure (ExMCM) operations and land-based explosive ordnance disposal tactics. The strategic location of the exercise provides valuable training in an extreme cold-weather environment where conditions are dynamic, and the operating environment continues to evolve.

"The Sailors of EODMU-8 have made me immensely proud, demonstrating unparalleled skill and resolve by executing complex operations across the EOD spectrum in the harshest conditions with our Allies," said CDR Matthew Guido, Commanding Officer, EODMU-8. "Their achievement is a testament to the hard work and professionalism they conduct daily in preparation to maintain security and access in the Arctic corridor. Our partnership with the Norwegian Navy EOD is vital to our shared success in the Arctic, and we are grateful for their collaboration and friendship."

During the 10-day exercise, U.S. Navy EOD technicians conducted a wide range of operations including underwater demolitions, exploitation of mines, conventional munition disposal, rapid airfield damage repair, close-quarters combat, rappel operations, and trench clearance. These training events collectively contributed to increased lethality and technical expertise in the Arctic domain. Operations emphasized integration among Allied forces in preparation for future conflicts.

“The Norwegians are excellent hosts and dependable teammates.,” said Lt. Andrew Lewis, EODMU-8 officer in charge. “We are lucky to have an exercise that brings together EOD operators that are experts at working in the arctic domain. Each lesson they teach us pays dividends for the EOD force as we work towards bolstering our extreme cold weather capabilities.”

The exercise provided valuable real-world training opportunities for EOD technicians to refine their professional skills while operating in extreme cold-weather conditions. Participation in Arctic Specialist evaluates planning, communications, and operational oversight while simultaneously providing warfighters and enablers with valuable operational experience as they test the people, equipment, and logistics needed to execute missions in remote and austere locations.

“In the Arctic, there is no margin for complacency. Our Norwegian partners and Navy EOD operators demonstrate that in freezing environments, the smallest detail can become the biggest threat,” said EODCS Juan Hernandez, EODMU-8 ExMCM company Leading Chief Petty Officer. “We look forward to continued U.S participation in Exercise Arctic Specialist for years to come, strengthening our partnerships and advancing our cold weather capabilities alongside our allies.”

The Norwegian-hosted exercise also served as a venue for exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures through the integration of foreign EOD professionals embedded within U.S. Navy EOD platoons.

“We are very pleased that this exercise has participants from several NATO nations and different branches of defense.” said Commander Senior Grade Christian Couillault, Exdir and Chief of the Norwegian Naval EOD Commando. “This is one of the few exercises where the main training audience is the Navy EOD diver himself and his team. The cooperation we have developed and maintained over the many years with EODMU-8 is strong.”

Arctic presence remains a high-priority mission for forces across the Department of War and is central to homeland defense as its strategic importance grows.

The effects of emerging technologies and increased economic competition continue to shape an evolving security environment, requiring an increased level of regional stability and cooperation. These conditions demand naval forces capable of operating effectively in high-latitude environments.

“We are grateful that the U.S. Navy sends its best Sailors to create realistic training missions. The technology brought by the U.S. Navy EOD team to test in Norway, enriches us all in the development track. The fact that we are able to develop procedures together within several military skills in demanding arctic conditions makes us better equipped for joint operations in the north,” said Couillault.

Commander, Task Group 68.1 (EODMU-8) is part of the forward-deployed Navy Expeditionary Combat Force Europe-Africa under Commander, Task Force 68, with the capability to locate, identify, detect, render safe, recover, field evaluate, and dispose of explosive ordnance.

Defending the High North: Navy EOD, Joint Forces Secure Arctic during AE26

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 participated in Arctic Edge 2026 (AE26), Feb. 23-March 5. AE26 is a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command-led Homeland Defense exercise designed to improve readiness, demonstrate capabilities and enhance Joint and Allied Force interoperability in the Arctic.

“This year, our primary objective was to integrate with other EOD entities in new environments,” said Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Quinn Gaubatz. "Subject matter expert exchanges help us better our tactics, techniques and procedures through collaboration of our strengths, especially in the challenging conditions that AE26 provided.”

Throughout the exercise, EODMU-11 operated alongside joint EOD forces and other military units on Kodiak Island and at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage. On Kodiak Island, EODMU-11 technicians conducted remote operated vehicle (ROV) operations during a force protection drill, working with 1st EOD Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron 1, Naval Information Warfare Center personnel and U.S. Coast Guard elements assigned to Kodiak Island in assessing, neutralizing and recovering simulated underwater threats.

“Demanding environments such as Kodiak create great opportunities to stress-test our gear,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Luke Rebeor. “Operating our ROV systems in training alongside joint counterparts helped us accomplish homeland defense objectives together.”

In the drill, ROV operations expanded and supported joint EOD capabilities by providing an essential standoff area in underwater environments during the potentially high-risk reconnaissance and ordnance disposal mission. At JBER, EODMU-11 conducted joint airfield clearance and unexploded ordnance disposal drills with U.S. Air Force EOD technicians from the 673rd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, simulating threats to critical infrastructure in extreme cold weather.

"Operating in the Arctic requires some adaptation,” said Gaubatz. “Standard explosives and techniques work differently in colder climates, so practicing our skills and techniques in Alaska provided an extremely valuable training opportunity.”

Defending the U.S. is inherently linked to the ability of the Joint Force to operate effectively across the entire USNORTHCOM area of responsibility - to include the Arctic. Navy EOD's presence in Alaska during AE26 ensured expeditionary competence in support of Homeland Defense as the strategic importance of the Arctic domain expands.

EOD Mobile Unit 12, Royal Canadian Navy, Strengthen Partnership in Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia

U.S. Navy technicians from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWELVE (EODMU-12) and divers from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic completed a joint Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) focused on strengthening Allied undersea capabilities, March 14-21, 2026. The exchange, held in and around Halifax Harbor, centered on advanced Mine Countermeasures (MCM) training and the integration of unmanned systems in a cold maritime environment. This critical bilateral training underscores the Department of the Navy's emphasis on building warfighting readiness alongside trusted Allies. Throughout the exchange, operators shared MCM tactics, techniques, and procedures using the MK16 underwater breathing apparatus, a specialized rebreather that allows extended time at depth, and advanced handheld sonar systems. These procedures are essential for EOD technicians who must be prepared to counter threats in the maritime domain.

"This exchange is about more than just technology; it's about the people," said LT Cassie Dooley, a company commander for EODMU-12. "When you operate in these challenging conditions, you build a level of trust that can't be replicated in a classroom. Our partnership with the RCN is a force multiplier, and the readiness we build here directly translates to our ability to ensure security and stability across the globe."

The SMEE also focused heavily on the employment of unmanned underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles. Mixed teams of U.S. and Canadian Sailors conducted missions to search for, identify, and map simulated underwater hazards. These unmanned systems are crucial for providing a safe standoff capability, allowing operators to assess threats from a distance before putting divers in the water. The seamless integration of these technologies between the two navies is a testament to the importance of Allied interoperability.

"Every evolution we conducted sharpened our collective warfighting edge," stated Dooley. "The dedication and professionalism of our RCN Allies are second to none. Exercises like this ensure that we are a fully integrated team, ready to meet any challenge and win in the maritime domain."

Joint exercises between the U.S. Navy and its Allies provide an opportunity to refine tactics, test new technologies, and strengthen the human-to-human relationships that are the foundation of any successful coalition force. The Halifax SMEE is a clear example of this principle in action, ensuring U.S. and Allied forces can maintain safe and open sea lanes vital to global commerce and security.

STRIKING AS One

U.S. AND ROYAL THAI EOD TEAMS FORGE TACTICAL INTEROPERABILITY AT COBRA GOLD 26

SATTAHIP, THAILAND — For two weeks from February 23 to March 6, 2026, teams attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 pushed their limits alongside their Royal Thai Navy (RTN) EOD counterparts in the tropical heat of Sattahip, Thailand. The mission: Surface and Maritime Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) exchange during Exercise Cobra Gold 26.

Celebrating its 46th anniversary, Cobra Gold stands out as the premier joint and multinational military exercise in Southeast Asia. Hosted annually by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and co-sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the bilateral event—which began in 1982—has evolved into a cornerstone of regional stability and allied interoperability.

For EODMU-5 and the RTN, the two-week iteration was multidimensional. Operating across domains, the integrated teams executed 15 complex demolition operations and tackled a gauntlet of advanced scenarios. Training evolutions spanned from Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and Stand-off Munitions Disruption (SMUD) to highly technical surface and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defeat scenarios. The maritime domain saw operators plunge into the waters via dynamic HELOCASTING and airborne parachuting operations, culminating in high-risk Floating Mine Response drills.

True interoperability goes beyond parallel training; it requires working shoulder-to-shoulder. To maximize the tactical exchange, the surface task forces were deliberately integrated, dividing EOD technicians into hybrid elements of two U.S. and two Thai squads. This unified structure allowed operators to seamlessly cross-train on specialized tools, share hard-earned TTPs, and streamline operational procedures, generating tactical dividends for both the U.S. platoons and their Thai partners.

The collaborative footprint of EODMU-5 during the exercise also extended across the U.S. joint force. The unit’s Task Force detached a team of 10 personnel to directly support the U.S. Marine Corps' 3rd EOD Company. Integrating with the Marines, the combined EOD element conducted a sweeping range clearance operation, successfully locating and safely disposing of 28 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

The successful execution of these complex maritime, aerial, and land-based explosive operations underscores a clear message: the decades-long partnership between U.S. and Thai forces remains strong and ready to respond to any threat in the Indo-Pacific theater.

EOD Mobile Unit TWO Completes Force Aligned Basic Phase Training

The Legends of EODMU-2 continue efforts across the EODGRU-2 compound of stressing the system and determining what “right” looks like for force generations with the new aligned EOD Mobile Unit constructs. Throughout the month of March, EODMU-2 has conducted multiple basic phase training iterations in Key West, FL and Fort A.P. Hill, VA to satisfy TRAMAN requirements and prepare for Unit Level Training. Highlights include force-aligned movement of 37 personnel from Company 2-4 and the N7 department to Key West, FL, completing required dive training as a part of the Basic Phase. Training included Mk-16 N2O2 and HEO2 diving operations, real and simulated decompression dives and SCUBA/ROV limpet operations.

Over the course of two weeks the platoons safely and successfully logged 106 SCUBA and 122 Mk-16 dives. Additionally, the command moved all EOD platoons and the Task Group headquarters (93 personnel in total) to conduct a simultaneous Readiness Assessment Visit (RAV) and Mobility Exercise (MOBEX). The assessment week focused on EOD Surface, IED, and CBRNE skills, as well as Situational Awareness, Communications, Leadership, team dynamics and Safety. Over the course of the week, the platoons executed 144 day and night drills. Additionally, the MOBEX event provided a great opportunity for the collective to evolve force design as the HQ exercised C2 in an expeditionary environment, learned the capabilities of other NECF units and refined BWC skillsets with NEXWDC approved injects.

During MOBEX, the TG exercised real world lessons from our recent NAVCENT deployment (COOP, emergency destruct, OPSEC, etc).

Additionally, the command moved all EOD platoons and the Task Group headquarters (93 personnel in total) to conduct a simultaneous Readiness Assessment Visit (RAV) and Mobility Exercise (MOBEX). The assessment week focused on EOD Surface, IED, and CBRNE skills, as well as Situational Awareness, Communications, Leadership, team dynamics and Safety.

Over the course of the week, the platoons executed 144 day and night drills. Additionally, the MOBEX event provided a great opportunity for the collective to evolve force design as the HQ exercised C2 in an expeditionary environment, learned the capabilities of other NECF units and refined BWC skillsets with NEXWDC approved injects. During MOBEX, the TG exercised real world lessons from our recent NAVCENT deployment (COOP, emergency destruct, OPSEC, etc).

FORGING MASTERY AT ELEVATION

EODMU-5 TACKLES COMBINED JOINT OPERATIONS AT MT. FUJI

CAMP FUJI, JAPAN - From the biting cold of January through the thawing winds of March, platoons attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 traveled to the rugged slopes of the Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Fuji to execute a rigorous, ongoing series of Combined Joint operations. Operating in a mountain warfare environment, Navy EOD technicians did not work in a vacuum. The platoons integrated seamlessly with a robust joint and bilateral coalition, operating and training alongside U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force EOD personnel, EOD Shore Detachment Yokosuka, and their regional allies in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The Combined Joint force executed a sweeping array of mission-critical tasks. Operations included range clearances, live-fire range support, and rapid unexploded ordnance (UXO) response.

To ensure readiness for future conflicts, the coalition also pushed their tactical limits with advanced explosive tool employment, counter-IED drills, and dismounted EOD maneuvers with small unit tactics. The mountainous terrain served as an ideal test for both equipment and personnel. More than just a proving ground for explosive ordnance disposal techniques, the ongoing Combined Joint CATC Fuji operations represent a critical node in the Pacific theater. These sustained, Combined Joint efforts continue to forge interoperability across the U.S. joint forces while strengthening the strategic military alliance between the United States and Japan.

Pushing Boundaries

NAVSCOLEOD Integrates Live Demolition into Underwater Training

In an advancement of its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) underwater training, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) incorporated new live underwater demolition exercises.  This is part of the course expansion, from 63 to 74 days, introducing several new topics, including Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM), maritime IED tactics, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, exploitation, and employment of live limpet neuralization and overpressure (OP) charges.  This effort promotes a more hands-on approach with realistic training designed to enhance the EOD community’s ability to respond to underwater ordnance threats.

Innovative Techniques Meet Real-World Scenarios

One of the key evolutions introduced is the live Limpet Mine Neutralization Tool (LMNT) demonstration, where students are now tasked with neutralizing a simulated limpet mine.  The evolution takes place in Weekly Bayou, offering a safe but real environment for EOD students to gain firsthand experience with the complexities of underwater demolition. The first iteration of live demolition began on December 3rd 2025, and as of April this year live demo has been incorporated into the curriculum for all Underwater Ordnance Division (UOD) students.  Students built two LMNTs and received individual direction and oversight from an experienced EOD instructor during priming and tool deployment.  These new procedures ensure a tailored and effective teaching approach, while also pushing students to master the nuances of in-water demolition handling in a live training environment. 

"The goal behind this training evolution is to learn the effects of a general disruption tool on a limpet mine," said EOD1 Winterhoff, the instructor lead for the diving portion of the live demolition event. "The use of a 3D-printed training aid shows us how impactful these techniques can be.”

Using the LMNT on live demolition offers valuable lessons, not only for students but also for instructors to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures.  This is just one example of how NAVSCOLEOD is adapting and innovating training techniques to increase the rigor and realism of training in UOD.

Turning Up the Pressure

UOD conducted their first live OP charge Underwater Detonation (UNDET) training evolution in the Gulf of America on March 12th 2026.  Success of this evolution has cemented live demolition use in the curriculum for following classes during training for MCM operations.  These underwater demolition evolutions push students to adapt to real-world, high-stakes scenarios, while maintaining a focus on safety and precision. The students, carrying hand-held underwater SONAR and an OP charge, had the opportunity to dive with and place a live tool – implementing skills and knowledge acquired from previous weeks.  Class 26-30N deployed an overpressure charge they built in class against a MK-52 naval mine training aid.  This addition allows students to refine their capabilities in underwater demolition while also pushing them to think critically under pressure. The training involved a variety of tasks including diving from a Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat and maintaining control of a hand-held SONAR while locating the mine and then placing the OP charge.  These adjustments are aimed at increasing relevancy, realism, and rigor during the Full Mission Profile MCM Operations before students graduate as EOD technicians and join their first Mobile Unit.  

A New Era of Underwater Demolition Training

As the Navy continues to innovate, the expansion of UOD training and incorporation of live demolition into the EOD School’s underwater training phase will not only enhance the technical skillset of students but will also set a new standard for realism and hands-on experience in the training pipeline.  The changes reflect the evolving nature of EOD operations and highlight Navy EOD’s commitment to keeping EOD technicians ready to meet global security challenges.

Is Navy EOD Prepared for the Next Maritime Conflict?

By LT Cassandra Dooley ExMCM Co 12-1-2 EODMU-12

As the global security landscape shifts towards potential maritime conflicts, Navy EOD will be at the forefront, tasked with the critical role of neutralizing mine threats to preserve sea lines of communication and ensure freedom of action for the fleet. Given the inherent dangers of this mission, it is critical to ask: Is the Navy EOD community adapting its training and TTPs at a pace sufficient to meet the challenges of a modern, contested maritime environment?

The Feedback Gap in Mine Countermeasures Training

In many facets of EOD training, particularly for the surface mission set, we intentionally build in immediate feedback mechanisms. An instructor, audible buzzer, or a popper often instantly signals a misstep, creating a powerful learning lesson. This is a proven, effective tool to reinforce proper procedures, identifying a disastrous mistake made in training.

Unfortunately, this crucial feedback loop is largely absent from our current MCM training. EOD divers performing MCM procedures often receive no feedback on whether their actions or equipment signatures would have triggered a mine. This raises a critical question: When was the last time the EOD community rigorously validated its MCM TTPs against a simulated, advanced mine threat? Are we certain that our current procedures are effective against the mine logic of adversary systems we are likely to encounter?

Shortcomings of the Current METRES Program

The Maritime EOD Training, Ranging, and Evaluation System (METRES) program of record was established in 2010 to address these concerns. However, the current system, the MK52 Mod 0, fails to meet the operational needs of the force.

First, there is a severe lack of capacity. With only one system available at each of the EOD Training and Evaluation Units, platoons may only get a single opportunity to train on the system during their entire OFRP. This is further compounded by the systems poor reliability, especially in cold water, which can prevent teams from using it at all. When the MK52 Mod 0 does function, its practical employment is restricted to around 15 fsw in shallow, protected harbors or pools, failing to replicate the sea states and depths where our divers are reasonably expected to operate.

Defining the Requirements for a Next-Generation Solution

To adequately prepare our teams for emerging threats, we must possess a clear, data-driven understanding of the risks involved. This requires a readily available and mobile means of assessing the magnetic, acoustic, seismic, and pressure signatures of our EOD divers and equipment against anticipated threats. Consequently, we as a community must prioritize either a comprehensive upgrade of the current MK52 Mod 0 or the acquisition of a new, more capable solution.

The next-generation training system must include several key features:

Sufficient Influence Thresholds and Updatable Threat Logic: It must be capable of capturing the influence signatures of our EOD divers and equipment and have the ability to simulate magnetic, acoustic, seismic, and pressure thresholds that replicate emerging mine threats. The system should also have the ability to be updated as new intelligence of threat logic becomes available.

Realistic Environmental Capability: The system must be deployable in environments that EOD teams are expected to operate in, including sea states up to 3 and depths of at least 200 fsw.

Ease of Operation: It must be easy to use, allowing an EOD platoon to organically operate the system and interpret its results with minimal training.

Instantaneous Diver Feedback: The system must provide immediate visual or audible feedback directly to the diver and topside system operators, enabling them to identify the precise action or distance that resulted in a simulated mine triggering.

Wireless Architecture: A wireless system would reduce training artificiality by removing tethers, decreasing the risk of background noise contamination, and allowing for the creation of realistic training minefields where the instrumented shape is unknown.

Scalability: The system should be capable of being integrated into various threat representative mine shapes, to include both bottom and moored configurations, and enabling the system to be used for TTP and signature assessment of EOD divers, UUVs, and ROVs.

A Promising Path Forward: The Zeetachec MTS

In 2025, EODGRU-1 took a significant step by purchasing the Zeetachec Maritime Training System (MTS), which addresses many of the deficiencies of the MK52 Mod 0. The Zeetachec MTS is a wireless system that has already been successfully used at the Silver Strand Training Complex in San Diego at depths of 80 fsw and in operationally relevant sea states. An upcoming upgrade to the MTS (V2) will further enhance its capabilities by allowing field calibration via a simple graphical user interface on a standard mobile device.

Conclusion

The role of Navy EOD will be decisive in any future maritime conflict. As the capabilities of mine threats advance, our training methodologies and the technology that supports them must also evolve. Current MCM training does not provide the realistic validation that we demand in other mission areas. While the METRES program of record was created to solve this problem, the MK52 Mod 0 is no longer sufficient. PMS-408 has requested funding from OPNAV 957 to find a new solution, but funding remains at risk without pressure from our level to drive the process forward. It is time to invest in a modern training solution that gives our divers the feedback they need to confidently and effectively execute the mission. This is an ongoing effort, and any inputs you may have on potential requirements or solutions can be directed to cassandra.r.dooley.mil@us.navy.mil.

EOD Mobile Unit 12 Welcomes New Commander

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story on March 26, 2026, where Cmdr. Michael Grow relieved Cmdr. Jack Damon as commanding officer.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone for the unit, which plays a critical role in the nation's defense by clearing explosive hazards, enabling access to denied areas, and building warfighting readiness. The change of command is a time-honored naval tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a command.

Damon, the outgoing commanding officer, expressed his deep pride in leading the men and women of EODMU-12. 

“In general, EOD is a small community where most of us know each other, and I knew I was coming to a unit with many credible teammates I could rely on. This tour required our team to lead through hardships. You never hesitated to take on the additional work, to break away from status quo. You never quit and you never stopped solving the problems.”

“CDR Mike Grow, you have had a positive impact on this command long before today. There is no one else I would prefer to turn over with.”

Both commanders delivered remarks that echoed the Department of the Navy's emphasis on the importance of its people and building a more lethal and ready force.

"I am humbled and excited for the opportunity to lead this exceptional team,” said Grow. “The Sailors of EODMU-12 are among the most highly skilled and dedicated in the Navy, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to continue to excel. Together, we will build upon the unit's proud history and continue to enhance our warfighting readiness to meet any challenge."

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12, established in 2008, is a subordinate command of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group TWO.

Navy EOD technicians are an elite force of warriors who perform a wide range of missions, including rendering safe all types of ordnance, from conventional to improvised explosive devices, both on land and underwater. They deploy globally to support naval and joint operations, ensuring freedom of navigation and access to strategic waterways. EODMU-12 has a distinguished history of supporting operations around the world, contributing to everything from mine countermeasures to special operations missions.

New Commander to Lead Navy's Premier EOD Training Unit

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2 held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story on April 27, 2026. During the ceremony, Commander Daniel W. McDonald assumed command from Commander Karl Staehle.

EODTEU-2 serves as the crucible for East Coast-based EOD technicians, mobile diving and salvage companies, and unmanned systems platoons. The unit's vital role is to forge combat-ready forces capable of confronting the complex and evolving threats of the modern battlefield. By providing advanced, realistic, and rigorous training, EODTEU-2 ensures that operators can deploy anywhere in the world, prepared to clear explosive hazards, dismantle sea mines, and ensure access for Fleet and Joint forces. The training provided by EODTEU-2 is critical to the Department of the Navy's priority of building a culture of warfighting excellence and increasing military readiness. The unit continuously adapts its curriculum to address emerging threats from sophisticated underwater mines and improvised explosive devices to the challenges posed by unmanned systems. This ensures that Navy EOD remains the world's premier force for countering explosive hazards, safeguarding personnel, and enabling freedom of navigation across the globe.

EODTEU-2 ensures Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units are fully prepared for deployment to any theater of operations, ready to meet the nation's call - solidifying its role as a vital component in the Navy's expeditionary combat force.

EODMU Five Leads Port Clearance efforts after Typhoon Sinlaku

SANTA RITA, Guam - When Category 5 Typhoon Sinlaku unleashed its fury across the Marianas, the immediate aftermath left a critical strategic question in its wake: Were the vital maritime lifelines of Guam and Saipan still navigable? With winds battering Guam at over 70 mph and devastating Saipan at speeds exceeding 120 mph, the threat of massive debris and underwater obstructions blocking commercial shipping channels and critical military piers was a primary concern for local and federal authorities. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) quickly sounded the alarm, and the Sailors of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 answered the call.

Multiple units of action from EODMU-5 rapidly mobilized to assist the USCG in a massive joint effort to survey and clear the commercial shipping ports of Guam and Saipan, as well as the heavily utilized piers at Naval Base Guam (NBG). Time was of the essence; any delay in reopening these ports meant a delay in critical post-storm logistics and a degradation of military readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Over a weekend of sustained operations, EOD platoons and an Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS) platoon worked together to tackle the subsurface threat. The teams launched multiple Defender Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) into the turbid waters. These advanced robotic systems provided the critical underwater eyes needed to conduct expeditious clearance of the shipping channels and infrastructure. The rapid deployment of the Defender ROVs and the specialized expertise of the EOD and UMS platoons yielded immediate strategic dividends. Their joint efforts directly enabled the safe and rapid reopening of Guam’s commercial shipping port and the crucial NBG refueling pier, restoring the flow of commerce and ensuring that U.S. military assets maintained their operational edge.

In the wake of a Category 5 storm, the interoperability between the USCG and Navy EOD forces proved once again that when the Indo-Pacific region faces a crisis, the joint force is ready to clear the way.

NAVSCOLEOD Opens New Human Performance Center

Institutionalizing the Warrior Ethos for the EOD Community

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – On April 29, 2026, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) celebrated a historic milestone for the Navy EOD community with the grand opening of its brand-new 6,000-square-foot Human Performance Center (HPC). Timed to coincide with the gathering of EOD leadership for the annual EOD Memorial Ceremony, the opening represents a sustained commitment to the physical and mental fortitude of its operators. The new facility officially serves as the schoolhouse headquarters for the STRIKE program-a specialized, multidomain human performance initiative built by and for the Navy EOD community. Originally established for the EOD Mobile Units across both East and West Coasts, the program has now expanded to include the entire Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving (CEODD) pipeline. With the NAVSCOLEOD facility now open, the program is fully integrated across the career spectrum for its Navy EOD operators.

CAPT Mike Dalrymple, Commanding Officer of NAVSCOLEOD, kicked off the inaugural event, underscoring the facility’s significance to the force. “This holistic focus on health and fitness symbolizes an end-to-end investment in our most important asset—our people.”

Following the ribbon-cutting, the community immediately christened the deck with a command-wide physical training event, setting the standard for the next generation of EOD techs. For the EOD operator, the human weapon system is the most critical tool in the kit. Recognizing this, the expansion of the STRIKE program from the coastal EOD Mobile Units directly into the CEODD pipeline represents a direct application of the Secretary of War’s strategic guidance on forging an unbreakable Warrior Ethos.

The core mission of the STRIKE program is career-long warfighter resiliency-ensuring that those that wear the crab can perform at their peak and enjoy a high quality of life throughout their careers and into retirement. To achieve this, the program utilizes a holistic framework that blends physical conditioning, nutrition optimization, cognitive screening, and mental and spiritual health. All programming is underpinned by robust data collection and analysis to facilitate data-driven decision-making that actively supports force readiness. Their mission environments demand absolute precision under extreme physical and mental stress. By integrating STRIKE at the schoolhouse level, they are instilling a mindset of relentless resilience and lethality from day one. This proactive approach ensures operators possess the moral, cognitive, and physical fortitude required to survive and dominate in conflict. For current students, the training program creates a rigorous curriculum meticulously designed to build them into tactical athletes capable of meeting EOD-specific mission requirements. For current students, the facility supports a rigorous daily training curriculum that tracks directly with the 143-day Basic EOD course. Sessions feature a targeted mix of strength training, conditioning, high-intensity intervals, and aquatic preparation designed specifically to prepare students for the grueling 74-day Underwater Ordnance Division. Resources and techniques learned within the STRIKE program are designed to be carried forward. By establishing these elite habits early, NAVSCOLEOD is ensuring that pipeline graduates arrive at their Mobile Units fully prepared to operate as tactical athletes.

EODGRU-1 Sports Physical Therapist Supports U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Medical Staff

SAN DIEGO - Warren Flautt, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1 director of rehab services, was selected to serve as a member of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic medical staff during the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games. Flautt, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, currently leads a satellite clinic at Bormio, primarily working with men’s downhill skiing and ski mountaineering, the latter of which is making its Olympic debut at the 2026 Games.

“Being a proud American, I feel such honor in representing the United States of America competing at the highest level on the world stage,” says Flautt. “I’m also stoked to represent the EOD community and demonstrate the quality of care we bring to the table.”

Navy EOD’s human performance program, known as STRIKE, focuses on strength, conditioning, rehabilitation and sports medicine to optimize the well-being of the warfighter. Its mission to sustain technical and tactical readiness through an integrated human performance program requires world-class providers. Flautt, a board-certified sports physical therapist, joined the STRIKE provider team in 2025. He served in the Army as an active-duty physical therapist as well as a civilian provider for special operations. Involved in sports medicine for over 20 sports in all levels of competition, he has spent over 22 years in the human performance and physical therapy field.

"Being a member of EOD and helping service members accomplish goals in their military careers is a great part of working at STRIKE,” says Flautt. “Our patients’ success is our success and seeing them go on to reach new milestones after working with our team fosters a special sense of pride.”

Flautt notes some differences in his experience working with the military and elite athletes, but he finds more common ground between how sports teams and the Navy EOD community depend on and take care of each other.

“The military operates with a broad scope of tasks, where success could mean several different things, while individual athletes train for one thing with the goal to win,” says Flautt. “However, in both circumstances, there is a shared priority to ensure the men and women to our left and right are good to go.”

While Olympians and EOD technicians conduct their jobs with vastly different goals in mind, they both understand precision and attention to detail in training make all the difference in the end. Milan Cortina isn’t Flautt’s first Olympic Games. His resume details experience with high-caliber athletes in a variety of sports, including surfing, weightlifting, wrestling, sailing, rugby, BMX, football, volleyball and soccer, in levels ranging from high school up to an international arena, where he served as a provider for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2023 Pan American Games.

“It’s always inspirational to see an athlete return from injury and compete at the highest level,” says Flautt. “To see the American flag raised during our national anthem and know firsthand the obstacles that athlete had to overcome brings a wave of emotion that keeps me coming back.”

Integral to Navy EOD, the STRIKE program provides high level care directly to the service members in the community, sustaining technical and tactical readiness through organic human performance support. Flautt finds that leadership within the EOD community built a firm foundation for the STRIKE program to find success in its endeavors.

“I’m grateful to work with a supportive team, where there is a shared understanding that our people are more important than the hardware,” says Flautt. “While physical equipment is important, our most valuable assets are resilient, strong and healthy service members ready to achieve the mission.”

Flautt makes up just one building block of the high caliber team at STRIKE and within the EOD community. His attitude and passion for his trade inspires a culture of high standards, dedicated training and functional career longevity for his patients and fellow providers to exemplify. EODGRU-1 is a critical part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) that clears explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas, employs advanced tactics and technologies to exploit and secure the undersea domain for freedom of maneuver, builds and fosters relationships with trusted partners, and protects the nation.

Two Worlds, One Mindset

Silence comes first. No crowd. No clock. Just the sound of her own breathing as she approaches a threat that can kill her. Days later, the silence is replaced by the roar of churning water, whirring bicycle chains, and pounding feet as hundreds of athletes surge forward at the start of a triathlon. For Lt. Anna Bryant, the mindset required for both worlds is the same. Bryant, from Franklin, North Carolina, is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officer assigned to EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 and recently placed third at the Department of War-sponsored Triathlon in San Diego. Selected as the only EOD technician among 80 competitors, she represented not just herself, but a community defined by physical endurance, discipline, adaptability, and mental resilience.

“Doing the triathlon for the Navy was a big deal because I was able to represent EOD,” Bryant said. “It kind of puts all the things I care about into one.”

Balancing elite-level training with the demands of EOD leadership is rarely easy. As a platoon commander, Bryant just completed a work-up cycle and deployment, while also balancing her competition preparation overseas. Training meant early mornings, late evenings, and careful planning around ever-changing schedules.

“It’s pretty complicated,” she said. “It’s trying to get workouts in before work. Then you work all day... Then after work I still have to get another workout in. It requires a lot of planning ahead of time and figuring out where I can fit it in based on my daily schedule.”

Bryant has served in the EOD community for five years and joined to be part of the tight-knit, premier EOD force. A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, she competed in track and field as well as cross-country before commissioning, developing a competitive drive long before starting her Navy career. That foundation carried into deployment. While serving in Bahrain, Bryant trained daily using whatever resources were available. Some weeks, travel and operational requirements meant there was limited access to running trails or bikes. Instead of skipping training, she adapted. During that deployment, she competed in a Half Ironman where she set a personal record and finished 4th overall out of 137 women.

“We’d travel for [force protection] dives or whatever popped up, and I’d realize, ‘I won’t be able to bike this week, what can I do instead?’ Logistically figuring out workouts and seeing what you have to work with definitely made me a more flexible athlete and resourceful in adapting to my environment to continue training,” said Bryant.

On average, she trains 13 to 15 hours a week while also working in one of the Navy’s most physically and mentally demanding communities. To date, Bryant has completed nearly 30 triathlons, including 13 Half Ironmans, all while maintaining her responsibilities as a platoon commander. While placing in a triathlon is a feat of its own, her long-term focus is earning a professional triathlete status-a goal she says her EOD career has uniquely prepared her for.

“I know what I can do in the endurance world, whether it’s running, swimming, or sitting on the bike for three-plus hours. I know my body can handle it, so when I go to a drill or an operation, I’m not worried about the physical aspect-I can focus on doing the job right.”

The overlap between an EOD operator’s mindset and triathlon training-discipline, focus, and mental resiliency-has become the common ground between Bryant’s two worlds. She recently finished in the top eight percent of competitors at the Ironman World Championship in Marbella, Spain, placing 164th overall among 2,300 athletes-just two months after her podium finish in San Diego.

“I think about the hard things I’ve done, whether it’s triathlon-related or life-related, and just think, ‘Okay, I got through that-I can definitely get through this.’ Trusting in my training was the key to staying mentally focused,” Bryant said.

Bryant plans to return to the world competition next year, continuing to train between missions while leading Sailors within the EOD community. Her message to others is simple: invest in yourself so you can invest more into others and the mission.

“Being able to have interests outside of work… it’s beneficial for everyone on the team and yourself. You meet people that way and it opens up your circle. You’re happier because you’re doing hobbies you enjoy, and that only makes you stronger mentally and physically.”

Whether gearing up for a triathlon or leading her platoon while on deployment, Bryant relies on the same principles-preparation, discipline, and trusting your training.

Two worlds.

One mindset.

NECC SHORE SAILOR OF THE YEAR

Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Grant Thomas was named the NECC Shore Sailor of the Year for 2025. Thomas, a native of Atlanta, serves as the Leading Intelligence Petty Officer for EODTEU-1.

“It’s a huge honor and privilege to receive this award,” said Grant. “It represents the hard work of my leadership and junior Sailors over the past year. It’s a group effort that reflects their contributions more than just my own.”

BATTLE E WINNERS

MDSU-1 and EODMU-8 were awarded the Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) Award for 2025.

This prestigious annual award is granted to U.S. Navy units that consistently demonstrate the highest levels of operational readiness and mission execution. The Battle “E” signifies a unit’s excellence across a wide range of evaluated areas, including operational proficiency, readiness, lethality, and the capability to successfully carry out its assigned tasks in a complex global security environment.

"I am incredibly proud of our MDSU-1 team.” said CDR Dave Carter, Commanding Officer of MDSU-1, “Winning the Battle 'E' is a direct reflection of their sustained professionalism and expertise. That dedication has enabled our teams to provide crucial salvage services across the Western Pacific."

This marked the second annual accolade for EODMU-8, who won in 2024 as well.

"This recognition belongs entirely to the Sailors and families of EODMU-8,” said Cmdr. Matthew Guido, Commanding Officer, EODMU-8. “Their hard work, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence made this possible. Winning the Battle 'E' for the second consecutive year speaks volumes about the culture this team has built and the pride they take in representing the Navy and the EOD community every day."

FY25 Retention Excellence Awards

EODMU-10 and EODMU-11 were recognized with the "Best in Class" distinction for the Fiscal Year 2025 Retention Excellence Award, an honor that identifies them as the top-performing command in its category. The award, announced by the Chief of Naval Operations, signifies the Navy’s highest level of recognition for commands that sustain superior levels of Sailor retention. This achievement reflects an exceptional command climate and a deep commitment to the career development and well-being of its Sailors. The focus on people is a core tenet of the Navy’s mission, which emphasizes that retaining experienced Sailors is one of the most powerful weapons in securing victory and maintaining a warfighting advantage.

"Our people are our most crucial asset," said Cmdr. Jon Maurus, commanding officer of EODMU-10. “This recognition isn't just about meeting metrics; it's about the positive command climate we've built together, where our Sailors feel valued and see a clear path for professional growth. Their dedication is the bedrock of our success in every mission we're tasked with."

As a symbol of this achievement, EODMU-10 and EODMU-11 are now authorized to paint their command anchors gold and fly the "Best in Class" pennant, which is blue with a silver anchor, gold chain and four stars.

"Being awarded the 2025 Retention Excellence Award reflects the culture our Sailors and families have built at EODMU-11," said Cmdr. Eric Bokhoven, commanding officer of EODMU-11. "We focus on people, operational excellence, and building combat-ready teams — and our command continues to demonstrate that MU-11 is where motivated professionals want to serve."

              

Credits:

EOD Public Affairs