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EODMU 3 Celebrates 25 Years

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081126-37
Release Date: 11/26/2008 3:37:00 PM

By Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 celebrated their 25th anniversary Nov. 21. at Naval Station Coronado.

EODMU 3 was established on Oct. 3, 1983, and was initially made up of only five officers and 49 enlisted personnel.

The celebration began with opening remarks by EODMU 3 Commanding Officer Cmdr. George Byford. He welcomed the numerous guests who included retired Capt. James Lake, the first commanding officer, as well as other plankowners and former members of the unit.

As the ceremony continued members of EODMU 3 read the history of the unit. They noted how the unit has grown over the years, the exercises and operations they have participated in and the awards they have received.

As the years went on, the unit grew and so did their commitments. "In 1988 Mobile Unit Three grew 35 percent; and in 1989, it grew another 35 percent. But with the increase in manning came an increase in operational commitments", said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Brian Edwards.

Lake, the guest speaker and commander of Mobile Unit 3 from 1983-1986, discussed the hardships of standing up a new command. "At first we had no vehicles, no money and no billets", said Lake.

Today, EODMU 3 has grown to 181 personnel. According to Lake, "We set them up on the right foot, and they ran with it".

EODMU 3 has been awarded the Battle "E" Efficiency, Joint Meritorious Unit award and the Meritorious Unit Commendation medal.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and all other types of weaponry. An elite team of warriors, Navy EOD Technicians are the "first in" – enabling access for further combat operations in every environment – on the ground, in the air and under the sea.

For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod1.