Table of Contents
- Letter to the Force from Rear Adm. Bradley Andros
- Operation Deep Freeze
- Cobra Gold 2024
- Cutlass Express
- Afloat Salvage Operations Training
- P-8 Salvage - MDSU 1
- SnowCrabEx 2024
- Battle "E" Winners
- Women in EOD
- STRIKE Updates
- Community Outreach
- MK16 Product Improvement Plan
- Message to the Force from CMC Eric Neal
- Community Updates and Career Guidance
LETTER TO THE FORCE
REAR ADM. BRADLEY ANDROS
Thank you for reading “The Primer.” This issue, like all others, does a really great job of highlighting the exciting things the EOD and Salvage force is doing for the Navy and the Nation.
Over the past few months, a few junior officers and senior enlisted have given me feedback to flatten my communications on where the force is headed in the future. Along those lines, the following is provided as the EOD and Mobile Diving and Salvage Vision.
“We will aggressively transform ourselves from a force built to support the Joint Force in a Global War on Terrorism to a Fleet-focused force with increased readiness capacity. To meet this end, we will shift from a disaggregated force generation and force employment model to an aggregated force generation and disaggregated force employment model. At the center of this is establishing the Echelon 5 commanding officer as the supported commander in readiness generation.”
“What does all the above mean?” may be a question many are thinking right now. So, let me expand in non-“TYCOM to Fleet Commander” language.
• I will seek approval from USFFC and PACFLT to make every CONUS and Hawaii O-5 command look the same, and FDNF unit size will be based on theater Immediate Response Force requirements. This is the EODGRU 2 proposal that I did not approve earlier this year. It was not approved by me because I lack the authority to make this change. However, once a plan is designed and approved, this model will enable us to redefine our offering for employment, improve esprit de corps, and allow each level of the command (wardroom, chiefs’ mess, and blue shirts) to better leverage the collective strengths of the groups. The desired outcome from this change is to provide the commanding officer with a full command during the force generation process, i.e. “aggregate for Fg”
• I will request the Chief of Naval Personnel to approve a transformation of the EOD officer billet base, which will increase the time an officer performs duties at the tactical level, reduce the number of LCDR jobs outside the Navy, and incorporate “pipeline training” to improve warfighting knowledge (read: not just leadership). I expect this change to create a path where each JO spends five years at an EODMU between LTJG and LT, with training courses occurring during PCS moves and inclusion of an “EOD Advanced Course”, an “XO Course”, and a “CO Course”. It is my intent that the advanced course evolves into both an officer and enlisted course. The desired outcome for this is to reduce variance in knowledge based on experience by deliberately defining a tactical education standard, producing COs who can best employ the EOD and Salvage Force.
• We will develop a more robust capability and capacity at the EODMU headquarters by assessing what additional force generation functions and personnel are required by EODMUs, and by including a Maintenance Department Head who is focused on equipment readiness. This will enable the commanding officer to have the XO focus on manning, the RTO to focus on training, and the maintenance officer to focus on equipping—the three key areas for readiness.
• At the platoon and company level, we will approach personnel qualification standards as something we do every day, not as an individual-level accessory to basic phase training. At the end of the day, this is where the rubber meets the road. We are a talented group of self-starting humans—it is our strength—and the teams who take this approach are knocking it out of the park.
Why we need to go in this direction. Simply put, because we need to be ready at a capacity which exceeds the current level and, for that matter, a level any of us has experienced in our career. If you haven’t read the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force Response Plan (NRP) please do so in the next week; it provides a good starting point to understanding our readiness drivers.
Here are other priority items currently being worked and decisions I have recently made:
• I requested the termination of the MMUBA acquisition program and approved the MK16 Mod 3 procurement. The transition to a new system was late to need. During this decision, I requested the immediate development of a next generation UBA with delivery to commence no later than FY29.
• I have requested increased funding to support reducing the size and weight of all ExMCM UUVs such that a complex launch and recovery system is not needed. This is intended to eliminate the need for 11m RHIBs.
• At NECC, we are on a path to reduce the administrative burden of conducting maintenance. I expect to receive my first full brief on a way-ahead in the next two months.
In closing, THANK YOU for being the incredible professionals you are. Each and every day, I wake up with 100% confidence that when our EOD and Salvage Team is called upon to act, you will meet it head-on and finish the job successfully!
OPERATION DEEP FREEZE
Navy Divers assigned to EODMU 3 returned from a deployment on U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) Feb. 13.
Polar Star is the U.S.’s only heavy icebreaker. Polar Star’s primary mission is to support scientific research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, by breaking ice and keeping the sea channels clear for supplies to move in and out.
Navy and Coast Guard divers were on hand to provide emergency underwater ship’s husbandry services. During the deployment, Coast Guard and Navy divers conducted medical training and training on all aspects of recompression chamber operations.
“For dive operations, we’re required to be able to reach a recompression chamber within six hours, whether that’s by helo or at a local hospital,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Korte, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area’s dive force manager. “The Coast Guard doesn’t currently have a chamber so that’s why we partner with Navy divers to bring that capability onboard Polar Star. We couldn’t have done the mission without them.”
The Coast Guard expects to acquire the same type of recompression chamber the Navy has early next year.
“The time that they didn’t spend diving, was spent on qualification training with the junior Coast Guard divers, showing them how to use the chamber and practicing procedures under pressure,” said Korte.
The joint dive team conducted 72 military dives totaling about 1,198 minutes of bottom time as deep as 45 feet.
Joint missions like Operation Deep Freeze are opportunities for the Navy and Coast Guard to innovate new tactics and improve existing capabilities in a challenging environment.
“Diving in 29 degree water, there are a lot of challenges,” said Korte. “A tear in the dry suit or frozen equipment adds risk to what would be a routine dive.”
The U.S. is an Arctic nation with sovereign territory and maritime claims. Despite containing the world’s smallest ocean, the Arctic Region has the potential to connect nearly 75% of the world’s population.
As a component of EODGRU 1, EODMU 3 provides skilled and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations in any environment.
Story by L.T. jg Rae Timberlake
COBRA GOLD 2024
U.S. Navy EOD Technicians, assigned to EODMU 5, conduct surface training on improvised explosive devices and conventional ordnance as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2024 in Chonburi Province, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 28, 2024. Cobra Gold, now in its 43rd year, is a Thailand-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Ivan Skvaril)
CUTLASS EXPRESS 2024
VICTORIA, Seychelles (March 4, 2024) - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Cody Wellons, center right, assigned to EODMU 6, provides direction to divers participating in exercise Cutlass Express 2024. Cutlass Express 2024, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, increases the readiness of U.S. forces; enhances maritime domain awareness and collaboration among participating nations; and strengthens the capability of partner nations to combat piracy and counter illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Arif Patani)
VICTORIA, Seychelles (Feb. 29, 2024) - Sailors assigned to EODMU 6 and MDSU 2 provide dive training during exercise Cutlass Express 2024. Cutlass Express 2024, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, increases the readiness of U.S. forces; enhances maritime domain awareness and collaboration among participating nations; and strengthens the capability of partner nations to combat piracy and counter illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Arif Patani)
VICTORIA, Seychelles (Feb. 29, 2024) - Sailors assigned to EODMU 6 and MDSU 2 provide diver training during exercise Cutlass Express 2024. Cutlass Express 2024, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, increases the readiness of U.S. forces; enhances maritime domain awareness and collaboration among participating nations; and strengthens the capability of partner nations to combat piracy and counter illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Arif Patani)
MDSU 2/EODMU 6 SALVAGE Operations - Manama, BAHRAIN
Salvors from MDSU 2, deployed with EODMU 6 under CTG 56.1, conduct sustainment training to prepare for afloat salvage operations in support of Commander, US FIFTH FLEET. The team focused efforts for a potential response to emergent afloat salvage efforts by consolidating and deploying assets aboard the USNS CATAWBA. The equipment load-out encompassed a wide spectrum of diving, cutting and welding, patching, light salvage, de-watering, towing, petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) containment and recapture, and limited medical support. While deployed, the sailors and headquarters established and executed a robust training plan, to enhance skills and collect data to establish an “Afloat Salvage Response Kit” that is rapidly deployable with maximum capability.
P-8 SALVAGE-MDSU 1
MDSU 1 Company 1-2 led the successful salvage of a Navy P-8A Poseidon from Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 4, 2023. The P-8 landed in the water after it overshot the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. The plane came to rest on top of a sensitive coral reef habitat with about 2,000 gallons of fuel onboard. No one was injured in the mishap.
Divers from MDSU 1 were on scene within hours of the plane splashing down in the bay, and quickly began assessment and planning to execute salvage operations.
MDSU 1 worked meticulously to map the crash site and assess the condition of the aircraft and the coral reef below it. This helped inform potential courses of action to remove the plane from the water while causing the least amount of damage to the environment.
The course of action that resulted was the first of its kind. First, a cross-functional team of divers, Marines, aircraft, environmental and salvage experts from around the globe removed the 2,000 gallons of fuel from the P-8. That operation happened faster than estimated, and without any fuel spilling into the sea. Once the plane was defueled, the team positioned roller bags beneath the plane to move it off the reef, and back onto the runway.
The team got the P-8 back on the runway 12 days after it landed in the bay.
SNOWCRABEX 2024
EODGRU 2 completed Snow Crab Exercise (Snow Crab Ex) 24-1 Feb. 4, 2024 following the departure of Navy EOD units and Navy Divers at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Snow Crab Ex is a two-week exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD capabilities in a simulated Arctic environment and, ultimately, improve Navy EOD’s combat effectiveness. During the exercise, U.S. Navy EOD and Divers tested, evaluated, and refined tactics, equipment and operations in an austere environment.
“The Arctic region is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and our Navy EOD, diving and salvage forces are trained and prepared to deploy globally to support of the Fleet commanders. To this end, the EOD force will continue to develop and evolve our capabilities to contribute to U.S. national security in competition and conflict,” said Capt. Karl Haywood, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2. “SnowCrabEx trained Navy EOD, diving and salvage forces to better operate and survive in the challenging Arctic environment. The training we conduct in austere environments simulates combat environments and contains inherent risk so that our forces are prepared to face any threat or challenge.”
U.S. Navy forces must be able to operate in the Arctic because “the United States is an Arctic nation, which instills responsibility for the stewardship and protection of this region,” according to the White House’s National Strategy for the Arctic Region.
During Snow Crab Ex, EODMU 12 and MDSU 2 exercised tactical control over EODMU 12 and EODMU 2, as well as MDSU 2.
“Snow Crab Ex is a valuable exercise to focus on tactics and equipment needed to operate in Arctic conditions,” said Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, commander, MDSU 2. “The Arctic presents challenging conditions, and the lessons learned from Snow Crab Ex will improve Navy EOD and mobile diving and salvage teams’ readiness to operate quickly and efficiently anywhere, anytime, including cold weather environments.”
Navy EOD cleared simulated unexploded ordnance, secured critical infrastructure, learned critical arctic survivability and mobility skills, and effectively communicated between distributed operating units in a training environment, while also maintaining command and control (C2) of forces.
“The demolition ranges we typically have access to don’t allow the same range of capabilities. Being in a new environment, and the realistic use of live unexploded ordnance here, built on our previous training and is critical to building confidence and competence for our platoons,” said EODCS Calvin Quinn, LCPO of EODMU 12. “Every place is different; every piece of ordnance is different. This exercise gave us real-life training on what we simulate all the time.”
Navy Divers also successfully completed ice dive training, completed arctic survivability and mobility training, and utilized specialized equipment like the VR Defender, an unmanned underwater vehicle that provides Sailors increased safety and dwell time when inspecting or surveying the underwater environment. The unique training environment at Camp Ripley allowed Navy divers to expand their capabilities for diving and salvage to an arctic environment.
“Ice diving operations at Snow Crab Ex gave us a unique opportunity to get hands on, real world experience and knowledge that you just can’t simulate in a pool,” said Navy Diver 1st Class Keenan Foley, a diver assigned to EODMU 3. “The diver’s motto is, ‘Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.’ Diving under the ice introduced new elements to adapt to during arctic salvage operations.”
The MDSU teams are uniquely qualified to support this type of mission. Foley and the other divers used dry suits designed to protect divers against hypothermia while submerged in 30-degree water. The team also used a dual manifold/dual regulator system to ensure they could continue to breathe from their tanks if one of their regulators froze over and a special tool that helped keep everyone safe underwater.
The Minnesota National Guard provided air support for portions of the exercise. Air Force EOD Technicians from the 148th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight provided support to demolition training and operations.
The U.S. Navy routinely patrols on, above, below and around Arctic waters to ensure the security of commerce and demonstrate freedom of navigation. Exercises like Snow Crab Ex 24-1 allow our teams to assess their readiness, increase their experience in the region, test new technologies, and advance our understanding of the Arctic environment.
Other Navy Expeditionary Combat Command units that participated in Snow Crab Ex 24-1 included: EODESU 2, MSRON 4, and Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC). All participating Navy units are headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story with the exception of NEIC, headquartered on Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex.
EODGRU 2 operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.
For the full collection of photos from SnowCrabEx 24-1, and news about U.S. Navy EOD and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.
Story by Lt. Chelsea Cannaday; photos by MC1 Jacob Bergh
2023 BATTLE "E" WINNERS: EXPEDITIONARY SUPPORT UNIT 2 AND MOBILE DIVING AND SALVAGE UNIT 1
The battle “E” is awarded annually to a select number of commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) who have displayed outstanding readiness and efficiency throughout the previous year.
EODESU 2 and MDSU 1 were presented the Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E”, Award for fiscal year 2023.
MOBILE DIVING AND SALVAGE UNIT 1
“What sets MDSU 1 apart from the other commands is our constant pursuit of excellence across an incredibly diverse range of operations,” said Cmdr. Mark Anderson, commanding officer of MDSU 1. “With five units of action, we provided concurrent support to two numbered Fleets, salvage response to Joint and Navy regions across INDOPACOM, and humanitarian support to international, federal, state, and local governments.”
EXPEDITIONARY SUPPORT UNIT 2
“I’m extremely proud of the hard work, mission focus, and dedication of the EODESU 2 Sailors,” said Commander Brendan Casey, commanding officer, EODESU 2. “Winning the Battle E is evidence that EODESU 2 delivers an unparalleled level of sustainment and integrated logistics capability to EOD Group 2 forces. It is certainly well deserved, and it’s my honor to work alongside this phenomenal team of professionals.”
WOMEN IN EOD
Navy EOD Celebrates Women’s History Month
In March, the Navy EOD community celebrated women’s history month by highlighting and sharing stories from women who helped build the force. Although women have served in the armed forces dating back to the Civil War, the Navy was an overwhelmingly male force until the 1970s.
In 1973, the Navy began allowing women to go to sea on non-combatant vessels, opening the door for them to take on specialized roles like diving and EOD. That same year, Kati Garner became the first woman to complete and graduate from the U.S. Navy Diving School (SCUBA). In 1982, Master Chief Mary Bonnin because the first woman to qualify as a Diver First Class, setting a precedent for future generations of female divers. In 2000 Capt. Bobbie Scholley became the first woman to command MDSU-2 and in 2010, Martha Herb became the first woman dive officer to hold the rank of Rear Admiral.
It wasn’t until the 1980’s when women began to enter Navy EOD. In 1980, Ensigns Julie Modrak and Susan Fitzgerald were the first women to graduate EOD School. In 1996, Fitzgerald became the first woman to command a mobile unit.
These women’s achievements paved the way for other women to pursue careers in Diving and EOD, and expanding their presence within the Navy's special warfare community.
EODC Nichole Kelly is assigned to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command and she said the challenge and physical nature of the job is what drew her to Navy EOD.
“Even when I was on the ship and I met with a Senior Chief and he’s like, ‘are you sure you want to go EOD?’ said Kelly. “He’s like ‘you know, we jump out of helicopters?’ And I was like, “Yes, that’s why I want to go EOD.”
Capt. Sarah Turse said she was drawn to EOD because of the focus on the maritime environment. “I grew up high school swimmer, a beach lifeguard at Jersey shore, and I was always really comfortable in the ocean,” said Turse, who is assigned to Naval Special Warfare Command. “So I felt the EOD community with their ability to go to Navy dive school really was the perfect fit where my talents and my passions aligned.”
Turse said the small number of women in the EOD Force makes the bonds between her and her female teammates even stronger.
“…The EOD and diving communities they value performance, they value standards, they value being a good teammate,” said Turse. “So regardless of your gender, if you show up and you can crush the PST and if you are a great teammate, and you’re competent during training and operations, you’re going to be welcomed with open arms into the community and that was my personal experience.”
Kelly said that being the only woman in her EOD class awkward at first, but became easier over time.
“Once the other people in my class saw me doing all the same things they were doing side by side we’re doing the same amount of pull-ups, the same amount of flutter kicks, then I built that rapport with them and then it didn’t seem like they cared whether or not I was male or female.”
Our Navy is full of trailblazing pioneers who paved the way for more than 134,000 women serving today. These Sailors and spouses, mothers, daughters, and sisters, have served in every rank - from seaman to admiral, and in most every job, including Navy divers and EOD technicians.
TIMELINE OF MILESTONES FOR WOMEN IN NAVY EOD AND DIVING
STRIKE UPDATES
STRIKE West Adds Monthly Orthopedics Clinic
Pictured right is Cmdr. Charles Smark, an orthopedic sports surgeon who helped establish the STRIKE East combined orthopedic clinic in 2020. The program has been a huge success, helping over 500 EOD techs to date, and in 2023, Smark helped STRIKE West establish a similar program. STRIKE West began offering an orthopedics specialty clinic on NAB Coronado in March 2024.
“Ortho clinic is for patients who have been unsuccessful with traditional physical therapy,” said LCDR Jillian Mears, STRIKE West physical therapist. “We’re excited to be able to bring an orthopedic surgeon and specialists directly to the patients who need this care the most.”
The clinic allows service members to get exams, MRIs, CT scans, x-rays, and pre-operative counseling without having to leave base. The ortho clinic also offers consultations, post-operative care and recovery care through two types of injections, Cortisone Steroid and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections. Both types of injections can help treat tendon or joint pain, inflammation, and impaired mobility.
Cortisone injections are shots that can help relieve pain, swelling and irritation in a specific area of your body. They are most often injected into the joints – such as the ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine or wrist.
Mears said PRP Injections use a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.
“PRP injections provide relief for a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions,” said Mears. “Things like chronic tendon injuries that can take a long time to heal.”
To create PRP, a blood sample is taken from the patient and placed into a centrifuge that spins the sample, while separating the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma. Once the platelet-rich plasma is created, the solution is then injected into the injured area. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bio proteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing process.
In some cases, providers might us an ultrasound to guide injection. “Ultrasound can make it easier to safely inject structures in the body that are difficult to see,” said Mears.
STRIKE West currently hosts their orthopedic clinic once a month. STRIKE East currently offers weekly sports orthopedics and a monthly orthopedic hand clinic. Stop by your respective STRIKE program to find out more.
Mutts with a Mission visits EODGRU 2 STRIKE Facility
EODGRU 2 STRIKE had the opportunity to host Mutts with a Mission on February 20, 2024. This amazing local nonprofit organization raises and trains puppies to become service dogs for veterans and first responders. The puppies have a vigorous two-year training program with their handler, then enter 12 weeks of advanced training before finding a permanent home as a service dog. They assist their owners with everything from retrieving fallen objects, to providing stability and balance assistance, and providing support and comfort in times of need. Through interacting with the EOD community and staff, STRIKE was able to offer the puppies a unique training opportunity. The presence of these service dogs at Navy commands throughout the fleet serves to increased morale, decrease stress levels, and foster an overall more positive work experience. You can find out more about Mutts with a Mission and their service to the Navy on their website and their Instagram, @muttswithamission.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Upcoming Community Relations Events
Navy Weeks
May 13th-19th - Spokane, WA (EODGRU 1)
Oct. 14th-20th - Las Vegas, NV (EODGRU 1)
Fleet Weeks
May 21st-27th - Fleet Week New York (EODGRU 2)
November 2024 - San Diego (EODGRU 1)
Local Outreach
Sept. 21st-22nd - Oceana Air Show + STEM Day (EODGRU 2)
Sept. 28th-29th - Miramar Air Show (EODGRU 1)
Daytona Beach Navy Week 2024
DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. - U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians and Navy Divers assigned to EODMU)12 and MDSU 2 explain U.S. Navy EOD and Dive capabilities and display gear to local students from Southwestern Middle School during Daytona Beach Navy Week 2024, Feb. 12, 2024. The Navy Office of Community Outreach hosts week-long Navy weeks in various U.S. cities every year to engage with the public, display navy capabilities, and participate in community relation events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. - U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians and Navy Divers assigned to EODMU 12 and MDSU 2 work out with local lifeguards at Volusia County Beach Safety Headquarters during Daytona Beach Navy Week 2024, Feb. 13, 2024. The Navy Office of Community Outreach hosts week-long Navy weeks in various U.S. cities every year to engage with the public, display navy capabilities, and participate in community relation events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
CASSELBERRY, Fl. - U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians and Navy Divers assigned to EODMU 12 and MDSU 2 conduct simulated extractions with Seminole County Fire Department personnel during Daytona Beach Navy Week 2024, Feb. 14, 2024. The Navy Office of Community Outreach hosts week-long Navy weeks in various U.S. cities every year to engage with the public, display navy capabilities, and participate in community relation events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
MK16 Pip: FIELD TEST
The MK 16 PIP stands for Product Improvement Program. A MK 16 Mod 1 that has undergone the PIP conversion will be a MK 16 Mod 3.
EODC Masson and EOD1 McGraw were able to get a detailed overview of the MK16 Mod 3 PIP at NSWC PCD Diving and Life Support Depot with ret. navy diver Neil Patterson. EOD1 McGraw, at a later date, revisited NEDU and conducted multiple testing dives with the NEDU team, down to 300' in their water filled recompression chamber.
EODC Masson's personal opinion on the system is that it will be an extremely beneficial upgrade to the current MK16 Mod 1 rig EOD/Divers are currently using. The majority of the internal parts that we have continuously run into issues with have been completely modified and upgraded.
Below is a list of the pros and cons that EODC and EOD1 were able to gather from their field test:
PROS:
• Pre/Post dive maintenance times would be reduced, making the overall maintenance to actual diving time ratio more equal vs. spending more time conducting maintenance than training. (Initials ~25min and Pre-Dives ~15min)
• The outer cover is designed to be more hydrodynamic.
• Only two cables will be utilized for readings instead of four. (Primary and Secondary display cables). Specifically, the analog pressure gauge readings are integrated into the Secondary display—so, no more hoses.
• Secondary display is completely digital and will display O2 sensor readings, Primary/Secondary battery levels via bars (see below), O2 and Diluent PSI pressures.
• PEA and Secondary display are able to be charged at the unit itself. No need to remove batteries from either the PEA or Secondary Display.
• Upgraded Canister cover latches. (Rubber T-Handle)
• Canisters will be able to utilize a stand-alone filter system (similar to the MK25 filters) or our standard Sodasorb/Sofnolime granules. The stand-alone filter system is a separate project in development for MK 16 and is expected to come on line in the near future.
CONS / CONCERNS
Responses to each con below are a combination of GRU2 staff and PMS 408 to provide amplifying information that addresses these concerns.
• The turnaround for replacing a malfunctioning rig may pose an issue. According to Mr. Patterson, there should be no need for us to break into or conduct maintenance on PEAs and potentially other parts of the rig. If the rig fails to function properly upon start up, as of now, we are being told we just need to switch the rig out for a new one with ESU.
- You’re going to have maintenance options. Prior to fleet distribution, a full and comprehensive O&M manual will be in place and available via the website for users.
- Furthermore, the plan is to issue OSKs (Operational Support Kit) with items that may need to be swapped out.
• On the Job repairs. We are currently uncertain what we, as the end user, will be able to repair out in the field while deployed or TAD training when ESU is not available.
- Same as above. The O&M manual will have a detailed trouble shooting and repair procedures section. Beyond the electronics and potential “pre-filled” Sodasorb, everything else is the same. The operational availability (Ao) has been above 98% through testing, so we are confident you are getting a much more reliable rig than the current version.
• In addition to the above, train the trainer opportunities. While the PIP is essentially still the MK16, we do not presume there will be a huge learning curve; however, as PIP begins to filter in, there will need to be some guidance and training required on its upgrades and operations for a smooth transition.
- Great point. The plan is to issue and train as a platoon. A platoon (command) will be issued and trained on the rigs as a whole, so there will not be a partial fill as we transition. EODGRU1 MU5 will be first, and then we will move eastward as rigs are available.
- There will be Train the Trainer.
• Concern on our priority to receive enough rigs. NSW appears to be the main stakeholder due to them funding the testing. We are unsure when or how many MK16 PIPs will be available for the PLTs as well as the probability of having a mixture of MOD1s and PIPs within the same PLT—this may cause confusion. The goal is that a PIP will replace the MOD1 when it is sent to Depot Level Repair (DLR) for their 72M maintenance.
- Another great point. We plan to hire a full time CTR at the Depot to support additional manpower to be applied to the rigs for EOD. NECC has mandated an 18-month transition to the new rig and we are pulling all the levers we can to accomplish that
- We are running a separate, but simultaneous effort with NSW. Their production does not impede ours.
- The 72M goal is the foundation for the transition from Mod 1 to Mod 3. The Diving and Life Support Depot will also perform conversions at fleet concentration areas.
A message TO THE FORCE FROM
CMC ERIC NEAL (EODGRU 1)
As I cross the 7-month mark at EOD GROUP ONE, I have concerns about our collective warrior spirit. I question whether we are mentally prepared to fight and win as a community today. No one should be shocked by that statement. But at the same time, I ask each of you to look internally and ask yourself if you are working towards building the warrior within yourself. Are you contributing to, or detracting from, the greater community?
Consider that being prepared for the next fight must be a multi-faceted approach. It will require more than mere physical readiness and the latest Table of Allowance (TOA); it also involves a personal mental status check on your own resilience and toughness today to achieve the warrior spirit that will be prepared when called upon. In this context, readiness should take on a deeper meaning for all of us. It should encourage us to cultivate greater inner strength and adaptability, guaranteeing our success when panic and fear set in during conflict.
For me, building warrior spirit is about creating a legacy of resilience within myself and being proactive in individual self-care and reflection. I challenge each and every one of you to do the same.
Shifting gears a bit, I have talked to many of you about some of the challenges we face in our community. It is obvious we're facing significant shortages in manning, delays in procurement and modernization of TOA, and excessive administrative burdens. The list continues to grow. Continue to communicate, through your chain of command or directly to me, the hurdles that prevent you from doing your job. I am committed to making your quality of service my priority. Additionally, I want to know how we can ensure Navy EOD returns to being the preferred employer of choice for you, and ultimately your relief. We cannot solve these problems by simply throwing money at them; it will require the collective effort of innovative thought and drive to get these initiatives over the goal line.
I need someone, anyone, who is ready to step up and help address some of these larger and more persistent community problems. Tackling these will take a herculean effort by many and therefore will be open to all ranks, both officers and enlisted, who want to start solving these problems together. If this is you, send me an email and I will get you involved. This is not another survey or data call. This is a call for help. It is a very real attempt to take your most immediate concerns and work towards resolving them. Building warrior spirit and solving community problems will take more than one person’s call to action or tour. It will be an ongoing process throughout the rest of your careers, long after I’m retired.
The mountain in front of us should not prevent us from working today to ensure that we are ready to fight and win tomorrow. Being prepared for what's next has always been part of our DNA and that won’t stop in your lifetime. Don't fall into the trap of thinking tomorrow will look like an extension of today—it won’t, and every moment will count. Victory in all things begins with our people and our collective warrior spirit. Building this warrior spirit starts with you and it starts today.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & CAREER GUIDANCE
The EOD Officer Retention Bonus has been approved and we are currently contracting officers (YG12/13 for LCDR and YG17/18 for LT). I have reached out to almost every eligible officer personally, but please ensure you are reaching out to Mr. Steve Whitefoot (steven.r.whitefoot.civ@us.navy.mil) and I if you have any questions about your eligibility or timelines. Eligible officers in YG14/19 should begin educating themselves on their options and coordinating with their commands and OCM in the coming months. NAVADMIN 242/23 provides additional details, but a quick look at the EOD ORB can be found below: The 4-year LT ORB ($72K) is offered to eligible EOD Warfare Officers who are warfare qualified (KG5) at 6 YCS and will require the completion of EOD Department Head qualified (KG0) by 8 YCS. Those officers who are undecided and desire more career flexibility will be able to take a 2-year bonus at 6 YCS for ($12.5K/annual) and will be offered another 2-year bonus at 8 YCS for an additional ($12.5K/annual) or $50K over four years. The LCDR ORB is offered as a 4-year ($100K) contract to be taken at the completion of 10 YCS. Similarly, to the LT structure, in an effort to create more career flexibility, there will also be two 2-year options for ($15K/annual), not to exceed $60K for both 2-year options. Lastly, for those taking the ORB, please ensure you update your special pay allotment towards your ‘traditional TSP or Roth TSP”. Per DODFMR Vol 7A, Chapter 3, 5.0, retention bonuses are a Special Pay, not a bonus. I understand this is counterintuitive, but please review and update your MyPay in accordance with your financial needs.