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EODMU 3 Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100612-07
6/12/2010

From Commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 held a change of command ceremony June 11 at Naval Base Coronado, Calif.

Cmdr. Charles H. Andrews relieved Cmdr. Gorge Byford as commanding officer of EODMU 3 during the ceremony.

"You are [EOD] Mobile Unit 3 and every day you continue to do more of that which has made MU3 (EODMU 3) famous," said Byford. "You are, and I will remember you always as the bravest men and women with whom I have served."

Byford assumed command of EODMU 3 in August 2008. Since then, the unit's primary mission has been to provide command and control and explosive ordnance disposal counter-improvised explosive devices (IED) forces in Northern Iraq.

During his tour at EODMU 3, Byford prepared and deployed four special operation force platoons, five combat expeditionary support platoons and one mine countermeasures platoon for combat operations in direct support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Theodore Lucas, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, served as guest speaker for the ceremony.

"You have prepared and trained your Sailors, deployed them on moments notice to troubled spots worldwide to conduct hazardous missions and executed command and control of coalition forces," said Lucas. "You have set the standard above and beyond."

Byford graduated from Northeastern University in Boston and was commissioned an ensign in April 1991. His next assignment is to the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

EODMU 3 is a subordinate command of Commander, EODGRU 1 and provides operational explosive ordnance displosal capability as required for the location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons, up to the high water mark of coastal and inland water areas and within the boundaries of naval activities in southern California. EODMU 3 was commissioned Oct. 3, 1983.