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5th Fleet Adds New Mobile Unit to Team

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030508-13
Release Date: 5/8/2003 9:58:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Dennis Herring, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- "Take charge and move out," completed the commissioning address given recently at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.

The proud commanding officer of the Navy's newest Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) mobile unit stood before his crew, giving Sailors orders to begin their mission in the fight against terrorism at the tip of the spear.

The ceremony marked the commissioning of the Navy's newest, EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 4. The morning began with formalities of Navy ceremonies seen many times in the fleet-side boys, color guard, the National Anthem and the reading of military orders.

"A newly-launched vessel must pass various milestones before a ship is completed and considered ready to be designated a commissioned ship of the U.S. Navy," said Cmdr. Theodore Lucas, the unit's new commanding officer. "Crew and ship must function in total unison if full potential and maximum effectiveness are to be realized.

"Today . instead of a naval vessel . we are commissioning an EOD mobile unit. Those same criteria for commissioning apply."

Lucas termed the unit's commissioning as "unique," because the unit's EOD team members have already been here in 5th Fleet operating as a team of dedicated professionals, he explained.

To help provide safe shipping in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Naval Support Activity, Bahrain hosted the first permanent EOD shore detachment (EODMU 8 Det. Bahrain) in 1994. Prior to this, EOD detachments operated in the area only as needed.

As many as seven EOD units operated within 5th Fleet during Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, EODMU 8 Det. Bahrain played an important role clearing the port of Umm Qasr. EOD team members removed more than 5,000 objects from land and water, collecting a weight of almost 18 tons of unexploded and stockpiled ordnance. Twenty-one old and new ports were cleared, making the delivery of humanitarian aid and supplies possible to the people of Iraq.

"As part of their sea trials, the Sailors of EODMU 4 passed many milestones throughout the past five months, particularly as active and vital participants of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom," said Lucas.

"The dedicated EOD Sailors you see here have already been functioning as a committed team of professionals, contributing to the challenging, yet rewarding missions of Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet," added Lucas.

Chief Machinist Mate Mike P. Coulter, the unit's materials department leading chief petty officer, earlier explained the need for the unit.

"Most shore detachments are six-man detachments," he said. "We are a 27-man detachment and going up to about 100."

The high amount of operations and training needed in the area called for the decision to create the new unit, he added.

Lucas closed his address with words of challenge and encouragement to his new team.

"Every one of us is essential to the success and safe conduct of operations at EODMU 4. Always give your best effort in all that you do. I, in return, promise to give my best efforts. Our country, our Navy, our command, and our shipmates, deserve nothing less."