THE PRIMER spring 2025 edition

Table of Contents

  1. Letter to the Force from Rear Adm. Bradley Andros
  2. Around the Force
  3. Cobra Gold
  4. Arctic Specialist
  5. Iron Fist
  6. SNOWCRABEX
  7. E/A-18 Growler Recovery
  8. Inerting Op - MCAS Miramar
  9. USNA Screener
  10. EXU 1
  11. Battle "E" Award
  12. CDR Brenner Farewell Messag
  13. Fleet Week New York
  14. BZ Luke Robertson
  15. King Crab Teaser

LETTER TO THE FORCE

REAR ADM. BRADLEY ANDROS

Teammates, I look forward to every release of “The Primer,” as it offers an opportunity to highlight the incredible work our EOD and Salvage force does in support of the Navy and our Nation.

In last year’s edition, I emphasized the importance of transforming our force from a Global War on Terror-centered model to one postured to meet the changing demands of near peer conflict. I want to give you an update on where we are today:

Improving Unity of Command. Our proposal to standardize EODMUs and MDSUs into one command structure was approved by U.S. Fleet Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa in the fall of last year. Moving forward the CONUS commands will have five EOD Platoons, one Salvage Company, two ExMCM Companies, and one NavSOF Company. FDNF commands will have six EOD Platoons, one Salvage Company and one ExMCM Company. This change allows for each command to execute the FRTP together; providing our warfighters with the full strength of leadership from the Wardroom and Chief’s Mess.

EOD Officer billet re-alignment. Our proposal to adjust the EOD officer billet base in order to improve officer tactical proficiency over a career was approved by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. At this point, over 90% of the billets which were biased towards staff competency vice warfighting have been disestablished and billets supporting training for Company Commanders, XOs and COs are coming online in October. Though still being implemented, this change will improve the tactical proficiency of our EOD leaders, putting them in a better position to lead our force.

As we look toward the future, the guidance from the CNO and the Fleet Commanders is clear: deliver a ready, capable and adaptive naval force that can integrate across all domains of warfare and meet the challenges of a dynamic maritime battlespace. What does this mean for our team?

We must move together and deiliberately toward building a sustainable and agile force capable of responding to conflict anywhere in the world. My top three priorities for the year—aligned to SecDef priorities (Revive Warrior Ethos and Rebuild our Military) and CNO priorities (Warriors, Warfighting, Foundation) a reflection of that effort:

  • Force Generation improvement (Warrior Ethos / Warfighters). Robust and realistic Force Generation is critical to meeting the pacing threat. To be successful we must align the focus and energy of the EODMU, the Group and NECC. Gaining this alignment starts with a deep understanding of risk at the onset of the maintenance phase and is the reason why I have been receiving briefs on unit CARTs. Your place in this effort is to understand that you are training for conflict (not deployment) and that this requires achieving full personnel, equipment and training readiness in every EOD and Salvage mission (this is more than what an FTN asks for). This requires laser focus on “main thing”: being the best at Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Salvage Diving—the two skill sets which cannot be replaced anywhere else in the Navy.
  • Future Force Structure (Rebuild / Warfighting). The possible future fight will take place in a highly contested environment with high risk to sustainment. Over the next year, I will continue to refine command structures so that Commanding Officers are in a position to deploy and fight as a command by re-establishing the CO’s control of the resources needed to execute the needed warfighting functions.
  • Wholeness Campaign (Rebuild / Foundation). Too often, we have found ourselves pulling people and equipment from across the force to create temporary wholeness to meet deployment requirements. As COMNECC I am focused on aligning equipment procurement and delivery of personnel through improved TYCOM-SYSCOM-PERSCOM processes. By the end of 2025, we will have a five-year plan that provides a more consistent force offering to the fleet and achieves equipment and personnel wholeness across every Echelon V command.

When evaluating our readiness, I ask that you measure it against the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force Response Plan (NRP) as the standard. The NRP is a whole-of-force effort designed to meet theatre specific wartime demands. It communicates NECF relevance and informs our readiness and responsiveness requirements. On point, the NRP is the driver for successful force generation and development efforts.

Navy Divers and EOD Technicians remain low-density, high-demand assets. Our fleet relies on us for our expertise, and we must be ready to answer the call. We cannot accomplish our mission without you, and it is my responsibility to set our teams up for mission success.

In closing, I send my sincerest thank you for what you are doing around the world every day and the skills and professionalism you bring forward to the job.

Very Respectfully,

Rear Adm. Brad Andros

AROUND

SAN DIEGO, Ca. — Sailors assigned to EODGRU 1 prepare to open the door of the crew module test article during NASA Underway Recovery Test 12 in the Pacific Ocean, March 27, 2025.

THE

PHILIPPINE SEA — An EOD technician assigned to EODMU 1 fires an M4A1 Carbine Assault Rifle during a live-fire exercise on the fantail aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Dec. 10, 2024.

FORCE

LANDOVER, Md. — A U.S. Navy EOD technician from EODMU 12 Det. Dahlgren discusses robotic equipment with the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, left, before the Army-Navy game at Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland, Dec. 14, 2024.

COBRA GOLD 2025

EODMU 5 & 11

Chonburi Province, Kingdom of Thailand

EOD technicians assigned to EODMU 5 and EODMU 11 and members of the Royal Thai Navy conducted surface and underwater training on IEDs and convention ordnance, March , 2025, as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2025.

Cobra Gold is the largest joint and combined exercise in mainland Asia, held annually in Thailand, showcasing the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements, and advancing common interests through a commitment to allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

(U.S. Navy Photos by Ivan Skvaril)

MDSU 1

Sattahip, Kingdom of Thailand

U.S. Navy Divers, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy divers, assigned to ROK Navy Underwater Construction Team, and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) divers, assigned to RTN Dive Unit, conduct a diving exercise as part of Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 in Thailand, March , 2025.

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73) sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

ARCTIC SPEcialist

EODMU 8

U.S. Navy EOD Conducts Arctic Warfare Exercise ‘Arctic Specialist’ with NATO Allies in Norway

KRISTIANSAND, Norway – U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians from EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, assigned to Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 at Naval Station Rota, Spain, completed Exercise Arctic Specialist in Kristiansand, Norway, Feb. 3-13, 2025.

Arctic Specialist is an annual Norway-hosted multinational joint EOD and expeditionary mine countermeasures (ExMCM) exercise providing training at the platoon and squad level and the development of land and maritime EOD tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in a cold-weather environment. Allied forces from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden trained alongside U.S. forces at this year’s event.

“Arctic Specialist represents one of the premier exercises where Thunderstealers hone our cold weather survival, EOD, and diving skills,” said Cmdr. John Kennedy, Commander, Task Group (CTG) 68.1 (EODMU 8). “The opportunity to train alongside such capable Allies builds confidence in our ability to deploy to the Arctic region and sustain combat operations.”

According to the Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy, “Major geopolitical changes are driving the need for this new strategic approach to the Arctic, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the accession of Finland and Sweden to the NATO Alliance, increasing collaboration between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. This increasingly accessible region is becoming a venue for strategic competition, and the United States must stand ready to meet the challenge alongside Allies and partners.”

While arctic strategy and presence is a growing priority for the U.S. military, training for arctic warfare with our Allies in the high north is not a new initiative for U.S. Navy EOD. In 1986, Norway began hosting an annual “EOD Ex”, which in 2012 became Arctic Specialist.

“This is my 14th year participating at this exercise. The value of it, beyond working together on realistic scenarios and exchanging knowledge and TTPs, is getting to know other nations. Learning cultural respect and traditions, their working methods, the ‘do’s and don’ts’. Whatever the operation is going to be, it is important to get to know your Allies on a deep level,” said a Lieutenant Commander Operations Officer of Norwegian Naval EOD Command.

The exercise has continued to provide an excellent training ground for EOD operators to hone their skills and operate in a uniquely challenging environment alongside NATO Allies and partners. Unique to this year’s exercise was the participation of Sweden, NATO’s newest member, for the first time.

Participation in such exercises will enable our EOD and diving forces to increase warfighting skills in arctic conditions, use lessons learned from past engagements, and provide opportunities to learn from our Allies’ extensive cold weather operating experience.

During the 11-day exercise, EOD and MCM forces exchanged knowledge for countering regional and global security threats. A multinational Tactical Operations Center (TOC) was established to provide command and control, intelligence, and advanced communications for all participating units.

Beyond in-depth training on cold weather survival techniques, the exercise included live demolition for mine countermeasure diving, conventional munition disposal, limpet mine response, historical ordnance disposal operations (HODOPS), and chemical and homemade explosive (HME) response. All training was designed with an emphasis on integrated multinational operations at the tactical level in preparation for major combat operations.

EODMU 8’s MCM Company Commander, Lt. Andrew Lewis, said, “Forward deploying our team to Norway has been critical to our development of warfighting skills in arctic conditions. Through working with our peers from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway—subject matter experts who live and operate in this environment year-round—we have gained a new understanding of and respect for the difficult conditions we could face while operating in the Arctic. Exercises like Arctic Specialist allow us to continue improving our knowledge, skills, and tactics by conducting increasingly complex and high-end missions, and to build lasting bonds with our Allies.”

As the arctic security environment evolves, training, exercising, and operating in the Arctic will improve U.S. Navy EOD’s operational effectiveness by familiarizing the expeditionary Force with the unique and demanding operating environments of the European Arctic region. By exercising alongside Arctic Allies, the Force continues to improve interoperability and gains regional expertise.

“This exercise is designed for the operators. The focus is ground level training, developing the skills of the EOD technicians, and everyone getting stronger,” said a Lieutenant from Norwegian Naval EOD Command.

Before AS kicked off, a platoon of U.S. Navy EOD operators from EODMU 8 and Norwegian Navy EOD clearance divers from Minedykker Kommandoen (Norwegian Naval EOD Command) completed a 2-week winter warfare training in Hovden, Norway, focused on arctic mobility and survivability.

The winter warfare course consisted of academic training, gear preparation, cross country, back country, and downhill skiing instruction, ski training with heavy rucksack, cold weather injury treatment and prevention, improvised shelter building, camp set up, proper clothing loadout, avalanche safety training, cold weather demolition, small arms shooting on skis, and freezing water response.

“The value to the guys was immeasurable. Most of them started off the training without ever having skied and some never having seen snow in their lives. We went from that, to being able to self-sustain for 96 hours in the brutal, non-forgiving Norwegian wilderness in 6 feet of snow, transiting roughly 20 kilometers through the mountains, on back country skis, while wearing 70 lb. rucks,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief Karl Sowinski, EODMU 8 ExMCM Company senior enlisted leader and lead exercise planner. “The cost of ending up out there alone, without the proper gear and training, is death. Out of all the environments we operate in, the Arctic is the only one that is actively trying to kill you 24/7.”

The team did a cold-water plunge in a freezing river, where they had to function under extreme stress and cold shock. Surrounded by snow and ice, they fully submerged in the icy water, then worked through their cold response by controlling their breathing and responding to a series of questions to demonstrate mental acuity before exiting the water, donning dry clothing, and rewarming.

“The critical takeaway of this exercise was the integration and interoperability. During the winter warfare portion, prior to Arctic Specialist, the U.S. EOD operators looked to us for our expertise in Arctic survival techniques. During Arctic Specialist, we [Norwegian EOD] looked to the U.S., Sweden, and Denmark teams for new technology or methods that we may not currently use,” said a platoon commander from Norwegian Naval EOD Command. “When we work with our Allied peers, the most valuable part is the group dynamic and becoming a team. We bond on both a personal level and as a military team, making us stronger for future engagements.”

Continuing to exercise presence in the high north through training and operations will enhance deterrence by demonstrating combat-credible capabilities and the ability to respond rapidly to threats in the Arctic and elsewhere around the globe.

IRON FIST - EODMU 5

Okinawa, Japan - Feb. 20-28

As Exercise IRON FIST 25 unfolded across Okinawa, Japan, personnel from CTG 75.1, 3rd EOD Company, NMCB-3, 9th ESB, JMSDF, and ARDB were at the forefront of shaping the modern battlefield. This annual joint exercise, conducted alongside the U.S. Marine Corps and Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), focused on enhancing interoperability, refining tactics, and fortifying readiness for multi-domain combat scenarios. This year, the exercise underscored three critical mission areas for Navy EOD: Mine Warfare, Airfield Damage Repair, and Naval Mine Exploitation.

Mine warfare remains a significant threat in naval and amphibious operations, capable of shaping battlespaces and restricting maneuverability. During IRON FIST 25, Navy EOD executed realistic mine countermeasure operations, integrating unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and divers to detect, classify, and neutralize naval mines. By employing both remote and manual neutralization techniques, EOD teams ensured amphibious and maritime forces maintain freedom of movement, a crucial capability in potential contested environments.

The ability to repair and restore airfields in a contested battlespace is critical for sustaining operational tempo and power projection. During the exercise, Navy EOD worked closely with 9th ESB, NMCB-3, and JSDF engineers to assess and mitigate explosive hazards on simulated damaged airfields. Using demolition techniques and ordnance clearance procedures, EOD operators rapidly neutralized threats, paving the way for follow-on repair efforts. Their expertise ensured that expeditionary forces could quickly reestablish critical infrastructure in the wake of adversary attacks.

A key aspect of modern naval operations is the ability to analyze and exploit enemy mine technology. During IRON FIST 25, 3rd EOD Company personnel led efforts in technical exploitation of a fuzed naval mine. By systematically dissecting captured ordnance, EOD technicians enhanced the fleet’s ability to neutralize emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The collaborative nature of Exercise IRON FIST 25 underscored the necessity of joint and Allied training in complex combat environments. U.S. Navy EOD’s partnership with Marine and JSDF forces fostered a seamless integration of tactics, techniques, and procedures across services. By sharpening their collective proficiency in mine countermeasures, infrastructure restoration, and adversary ordnance analysis, these warfighters bolstered regional security and deterrence.

As the exercise concluded, the lessons learned and skills honed by Navy EOD personnel resonated beyond Okinawa, shaping the future of mine warfare and explosive ordnance disposal in the Indo-Pacific. Their relentless commitment to operational excellence ensured that U.S. and Allied forces remained prepared to confront evolving threats and sustain freedom of navigation in contested waters.

SNOWCRABEX 2025

EODMU 2 & 12 / MDSU 2

Little Falls, Minn.

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, conducted Snow Crab Exercise 2025 at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota, Jan. 27-Feb. 7.

SNOWCRABEX, controlled this year by Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, is a two-week exercise designed to test and evaluate Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces (NECF) capabilities in a simulated arctic environment and, ultimately, improve Navy EOD’s combat effectiveness in mountain and Arctic, winter warfare. During the exercise, U.S. Navy EOD Technicians from EOD Mobile Units (EODMU) 12 and 2 and Navy Divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 tested, evaluated, and refined tactics, equipment and operations in an austere and demanding environment with unpredictable weather conditions and temperatures dropping below zero.

“Snow Crab Exercise is about training Arctic capable forces individually and collectively in cold weather operational skills like ice diving, skiing, shooting, unit movement, medical care, equipment sustainment, and survival—skills required for successful Joint and combined operations in an Arctic environment, so our units can successfully complete their mission when and where they’re called to,” said Lt. Samuel Baker, MDS Co. 2-1 company commander, MDSU 2. “This exercise provides a perfect training environment for our forces to build readiness for operations at high latitudes.”

As stated in the Department of Defense’s Arctic Strategy 2024, “The United States is an Arctic nation, and the region is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U.S. national sovereignty, and our defense treaty commitments.”

Minnesota provides an ideal setting for Navy EOD and salvage divers to learn what it takes to not only survive in sub-zero temperatures and operate in heavy snow, but also how to succeed and thrive to become experts in an Arctic environment.

SNOWCRABEX 2025 also allowed units to test equipment and refine load out standards to improve their ability to operate in harsh regions. Navy EOD and Navy Divers utilize highly specialized equipment to conduct their missions, and this exercise provides a valuable opportunity to test sensitive gear in an austere environment that it wasn’t necessarily designed for, allowing for refinement of methods or the development of alternative solutions. The key lessons learned from the exercise will inform capability requirements and strategic planning for future Arctic operations.

“The training at SNOWCRABEX this year was priceless. It takes experience training in extreme cold weather so Sailors know how to operate, and prevent their hands and equipment from freezing,” said Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, commander, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2. “When you’re diving under ice or mitigating explosive threats, the extreme conditions in mountain and Arctic environments aren’t forgiving; the training experience gained at Snow Crab allows us to reduce risk already inherent in Navy EOD and salvage operations. We’ll continue to improve U.S. Navy EOD and mobile diving and salvage teams’ readiness to support Fleet operations anywhere, anytime.”

U.S. Navy EOD cleared simulated unexploded ordnance, secured critical infrastructure, and integrated with local U.S. Air Force EOD; exercising communication between distributed operating units. Prior to arriving at Camp Ripley, they learned avalanche safety, mountain survivability, and winter mobility skills at training courses in Utah and Wyoming.

Navy Divers successfully completed ice dive training, arctic survivability, and mobility training, scenario based response drills, and diving casualty medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training. The unique training environment at Camp Ripley allowed Navy divers to expand their capabilities for diving and salvage operations in an Arctic environment.

In preparation for SNOWCRABEX 2025, components of EODGRU 2’s medical unit attended a week-long arctic mountain medicine course in Anchorage, Alaska, Jan. 6-13, 2025, where they learned extraction techniques and cold weather injury treatment that will enhance medical care capabilities within the Naval Expeditionary Force (NECF). Treating a casualty in an austere environment with difficult terrain, such as crevasse, cliff sides, and mountains requires special extraction techniques.

The medical team exercised these techniques at SNOWCRABEX and trained EOD and ND units on advanced cold weather care, including rewarming techniques, hypothermia and frostbite treatment, and prolonged casualty care. Their training culminated with integrated support to MDSU 2 executing a complex MEDEVAC scenario simulating an ice diving casualty, extracting the diver from the water, coordinating helicopter landing at a local landing zone, and transporting the victim by medical support helicopter to a medical facility.

“In an austere environment, where we have difficulty moving them out of location to a medical facility, we need a way to get someone the care they need within or as close to the ‘golden hour’ – the window of time that is most critical for a life-threatening injury. At SNOWCRABEX 2025, we are honing our medical skills and developing techniques which will enhance our medical care capabilities in these far out, hard to reach environments to support prolonged casualty care,” said Cmdr. Nikunj Bhatt, the Undersea Medical Officer (UMO) and Senior Medical Officer for EOD Group 2.

“We have an incredible team developing techniques to deliver medical supplies, including blood, using unmanned air systems. Snow Crab is a unique environment to exercise these techniques; we are looking at temperature integrity, drone handling, drone payload capacity, its range of travel, and other variables. Having tools like this will be powerful for enhancing care capabilities for an expeditionary unit; to increase odds of survivability in the event of a cold weather medical casualty,” continued Bhatt.

The exercise was a success due to the support from The Minnesota National Guard and Camp Ripley leadership and staff. MN Air National Guard provided air support for portions of the exercise. U.S. 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. Navy EOD and expeditionary divers constantly train to operate in all environments to execute the Nation’s tasking and enable the Fleet’s freedom of maneuver. Exercises like SNOWCRABEX 2025 allow our teams to improve Arctic literacy, training proficiency, and tactical competency to build readiness for operations in the austere and demanding Arctic environment.

Other Navy Expeditionary Combat Command units that participated in SNOWCRABEX 2025 included: EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC), and Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center (NEXWDC).

E/A-18 Growler Recovery

EODMU 3 & MDSU 1

San Diego, Calif.

On March 3, 2025, Members of Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-8, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three (EODMU-3) successfully completed the diving and salvage efforts to recover an EA-18G Growler aircraft after it experienced an equipment failure shortly after takeoff and crashed into San Diego Bay near Shelter Island on the morning of February 12, 2025.

Several other units and organizations assisted in the efforts to recover the jet. The NavyDivers of Mobile Diving Salvage Company 3-8 were responsible for the salvage survey and vast majority of the salvage effort, recovering 33,000 lbs of wreckage and sensitive avionics over the span of a few weeks.

“The team delivered a sense of urgency from the start of this high-visibility mission, given the proximity to the local community and surrounding Navy commands,” said Chief Warrant Officer Three Ryan Langley, commander of Mobile Diving and Salvage company 3-8. “This showed the public that the Navy takes mishaps like this one seriously and acts quickly to correct the problem.”

This specific mission posed a unique challenge: the nature of the crash created thousands of small pieces of wreckage spread over the crash site. Recovering the aircraft bit by bit was a slow and steady labor-intensive process, but the team accomplished the project successfully in about two weeks.

UMS Operators and EOD Technicians from Ex-MCM Company 3-3 completed sonar imaging and ROV operations on the crash site as well as recovering the ejection seats near the NASNI runway. NAVFAC riggers operated the YD-254 crane barge which lowered and raised the salvage basket and gave an accurate weight of the recovered wreckage daily. The Aviation Mishap Board, led by E/A-18 Growler pilots from Whidbey Island, sifted through the recovered wreckage each day to find avionics that would aide in the ongoing investigation. ACB-1 assisted by setting a 4-point moor for the YD-254 as well as moving wreckage from the site to NASNI Bravo Pier.

Efforts prioritized the safety of all hands working to recover the jet, while working to mitigate any environmental risks and protecting the integrity of the jet for investigation purposes.

Commander, Naval Air Forces continues to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.

Additional Navy commands that assisted in the recovery effort included Amphibious Construction Battalion One, Navy Region Southwest, Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest, Naval Safety Command, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and Electronic Attack Wing Pacific as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.

JOINT NAVY AND MARINE EOD INERTING EVENT

EODMU 11

MCAS Miramar

EODMU 11 successfully conducted a joint inerting operation with MCAS Miramar EOD and MWSS 373 EOD, safely removing all explosive components from a 155mm M741 AT projectile containing nine RAAMS mines and six AT4 projected grenades. This event strengthened joint interoperability, provided hands-on training in ordnance exploitation, and refined procedural techniques. Future engagements will further enhance Navy EOD’s integration into inerting operations and expand technical proficiency.

EODMU 11 fully integrated into the joint inerting operation, with Marine EOD serving as the subject matter expert and leading the evolution. Navy EOD adhered to all Marine-led procedures, following established safety and execution protocols. The procurementand inerting of the RAAMS projectile required coordination between Navy and Marine EOD. Navy EOD facilitated the acquisition of the RAAMS through Code “H” stores at Detachment China Lake, while EODMU 11 transported the round and secured temporary storage at MCAS Miramar EOD until inerting could be performed. MCAS Miramar EOD led the inerting process for the RAAMS projectile and its nine mines. Similarly, MWSS 373 EOD led the inerting procedure for the six M136 AT4 rounds.

A total of 26 personnel participated in the event. MCAS Miramar EOD contributed nine personnel, MWSS 373 EOD had seven personnel, and EODMU 11 had ten personnel. A detailed list of points of contact is provided in Enclosure (1).

This event was classified as an inerting operation, defined as the complete removal of all energetic materials to render ordnance safe for training or technical exploitation. The primary objective was to safely remove all energetic materials while preserving the structural integrity of the ordnance for use as training aids. A secondary objective was to validate the ability to conduct joint inerting operations between Navy and Marine EOD, leveraging Marine EOD expertise to enhance Navy EOD confidence in inerting procedures and expand interoperability in future operations.

By successfully executing this operation, the event reinforced cross-service cooperation, validated existing inerting procedures, ensured compliance with technical manuals, and established EOD safety standards. The experience gained during this joint effort provides a foundation for future engagements that will further develop Navy EOD’s inerting capabilities.

EODGRU 2 USNA SCREENER - Annapolis, MD.

Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) partcipated in an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) screener conducted by U.S. Navy EOD technicians from across the force, Feb. 28, 2025. The USNA EOD screener is a 24-hour assessment of Midshipmen consisting of physical screening and water competency tests, grueling physical training evolutions, and ranked competitions to determine suitable candidates for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2's summer cruise.

Expeditionary Exploitation Unit 1 - Munitions Disassembly & Exploitation Training

Over the last 12 months the Advanced Exploitation Company (AXC), a specialized element within Expeditionary Exploitation Unit ONE (EXU-1), has led a series of high-impact Munitions Disassembly & Exploitation Training (MDET) events aimed at sharpening the Navy EOD community's most advanced technical exploitation capabilities.

Recent MDET evolutions, conducted at a local test range, tested every phase of the expeditionary exploitation cycle. AXC executed full-spectrum operations including equipment staging and movement; high-energy radiography with interpretation; the development of exploitation plans; disassembly of complex munitions; demolition disposal; and technical reporting.

One of the more advanced aspects of these exercises included live explosive removal techniques. This process allows for the safe extraction of energetic materials from munitions. Working in parallel, AXC teams conducted detailed structural analysis and precision measurements throughout the disassembly process. These actions ensure that every MDET evolution not only enhances operator skill but directly contributes to publication updates for the broader Navy and joint EOD enterprise.

These events showcase a sophisticated and highly specialized skill set that is rare within the broader EOD force, particularly in advanced radiography and precision disassembly techniques. The resulting Munition Technical Reports (MTRs) directly support updates to official EOD publications. In close coordination with EODTECHCEN, they ensure field insights and technical data inform EOD publication updates, often addressing long-standing intelligence gaps. This collaboration keeps publications relevant and rooted in real-world operational experience.

“It is EXU-1’s top priority to generate as much capability and capacity as possible to prepare for major combat operations. We are and will continue to look at and develop creative and innovative ways to create expertise and transition gains to the Navy and joint EOD force as rapidly as possible.” - CDR Stanley Allen, Commanding Officer, EXU-1

2024 BATTLE "E" WINNERS

EODMU 8 AND EODMU 3

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. EODMU 8 and EODMU 3 were presented the Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E”, Award for fiscal year 2024.

“Winning the battle “E” is a recognition of the command-wide commitment to excellence at EODMU THREE - both at home and around the globe. I couldn’t be more proud of our team. Down to the individual level, their jealous ownership of our culture, hard work, and support of one another are truly inspiring.” CDR Warren Fogler, EODMU 3 Commanding Officer.
“Earning the Battle 'E' reflects the operational readiness and mission-focused mindset of every Thunderstealer at Mobile Unit 8. This recognition affirms that when called, we are ready to fight and win in any environment.”- CDR John Kennedy, EODMU 8 Commanding Officer.

A Farewell message - CDR Danyell "Red" Brenner

Cmdr. Danyell “Red” Brenner will be officially retiring from the Navy on June 1st, 2025, after 20 years of service. Many of you know Cmdr. Brenner from her most recent duties as the Lead Psychological Health Team (PHT) clinician at EOD Group 2, and NECC Deputy Force Psychologist. Although GRU2 was arguably her most impactful tour, Cmdr. Brenner has touched the lives of many on both a professional and personal level throughout her career, positively impacting our Navy and the EOD community with a focus on force readiness. The STRIKE team would like to highlight some of Red’s accomplishments and publicly thank her for her service as she approaches retirement.

Brenner was commissioned in 2005 into the Medical Services Corps as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She made significant impacts wherever she served, but her time supporting CTF 75 as an embedded mental health provider would be the catalyst to her long-standing impactful role supporting the larger Expeditionary and Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. With a Force of over 1,200 Sailors spread throughout the theater, Red’s role as the embedded Mental Health (eMH) provider was key to the readiness of this disaggregated Force.

CDR Brenner was strategically significant in the placement and detailing of licensed clinical social workers to the Expeditionary community during the infancy of the program.

CDR Brenner’s final set of Navy orders was to EOD Group 2 as the Lead PHT and Special Assistant to the Commodore, while also serving as NECC Deputy Force Psychologist. Under her leadership, the eMH team at EOD Group 2 PHT grew to four full-time providers. The PHT Clinic became fully integrated under the STRIKE human performance program, alongside the Sports Medicine clinic. As a result, cognitive resilience has improved readiness both at the individual and unit levels, also reducing injury recovery by 40%.

CDR Brenner brought into the fold executive coaching and leadership development training for EOD leaders in critical positions, helping those in leadership grow and develop by understanding their strengths, blind spots, and biases. She also championed non-pharmacy-based approaches to improve sleep, reduce stress, address trauma, and recover from TBI effects. She encouraged her team to think outside the box and integrate themselves into the EOD community beyond on-site psychotherapy, providing SME consultations, operational performance psychology guidance, and engaging with Service Members in their daily environments, elevating the embedded nature of eMH beyond the standard model used across the Navy.

CDR Brenner’s personal dedication and professional expertise over 20 years of service has been the catalyst to the success of the STRIKE program, the effectiveness of the Psychological Health Team, and most importantly to improved Resilience and Readiness of the EOD Force.

On behalf of the Navy and the EOD community, thank you Red for your service to our nation, to our Navy, and to the expeditionary community.

Bravo Zulu – Fair Winds and Following Seas!

FLEET WEEK NEW YORK 2025

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — A U.S. Navy EOD technician from EODMU 6 interacts with a student during a community outreach event at Westbury High School in Long Island, New York, May 21, 2025

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — A U.S. Navy Diver from MDSU 2 dives in the dive tank in Times Square during Fleet Week New York 2025, May 22, 2025.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — U.S. Navy EOD technicians from EODMU 6 fast rope from an MH-60S Knighthawk attached to the "Dusty Dogs" of HSC-7 during a community outreach event at the Mount Loretto Aviation Event in Staten Island, New York, May 20, 2025.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A U.S. Navy EOD technician from EODMU 6 interacts with members of the public during a community outreach event at the Mount Loretto Aviation Event in Staten Island, New York, May 20, 2025.

No Mountain too high.

A Bravo Zulu for LT Luke Robertson from EODMU 11

“BZ to LT Luke Robertson for graduating the prestigious High Altitude and Mountain Warfare Course (HAMWS) in Nepal with honors while assigned to EODMU-11. This rigorous two-month course trains military students from all over the world in three phases of mountaineering and survival skills in the Himalayas.” - EODGRU1 CDRE CAPT Clint Cornell

KING CRAB 2025

DEFEND YOUR COAST. ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Want to get out of a VIPPSA? Earn the right to represent your command at the 2nd annual Navy EOD King Crab Competition, Aug. 11-15, 2025 in Virginia Beach, Va.

  • This year’s competition will be expanded to include ALL EOD UNITS globally.
  • Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place from industry partners.
  • This year’s event will add diving, more shooting, more explosives, and more competitors.
  • Increasing from 9x teams to 12x.
  • Winners will be crowned at EODGRU 2’s Family Day on Friday, Aug. 15 on JEBLC-FS. All families are invited to attend.
  • Follow us on Instagram for daily coverage, highlights, and rankings as the competition unfolds. @officialnavyeod

Credits:

MC2 Adkins