EODGRU 1 Completes Eight-Month JTF Troy Mission in Baghdad

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110919-15
9/19/2011

By Lt. Dave Bennett, Commander Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1 returned to Naval Air Station, North Island, Calif., Sept. 18, completing an eight-month mission as Joint Task Force (JTF) Troy in Baghdad.

During the deployment JTF Troy was responsible for exercising command and control of operational explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) forces throughout Iraq.

EODGRU 1 Sailors deployed Dec. 28, 2010 and assumed command of JTF Troy from the U.S. Army's 111th Ordnance Group Jan. 14. As JTF Troy, EODGRU 1 Sailors commanded specialized forces with the mission of countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The group also conducted technical intelligence collection and exploitation to assist Iraq in defeating IED networks.

"The success of Joint Task Force Troy can be attributed to the exceptional professionalism, credibility and devotion of its people," said Capt. Edward W. Eidson, commander, EODGRU 1 and former commander of JTF Troy.

"The only reason we were able to successfully assemble joint service and interagency personnel from completely disparate organizations and integrate them into a single entity that was able to achieve a synergistic approach to the C-IED fight was because of the individuals that comprised Joint Task
Force Troy," said Eidson. "I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to command such an exceptional organization."

Under the leadership of EODGRU 1, JTF Troy's conducted 1,718 EOD response missions; destroyed 112,115 pounds of explosives from captured enemy ordnance; sustained partnerships with 35 Iraqi EOD units; and exploited 33,398 pieces of evidence among other accomplishments.

JTF Troy successfully fulfilled their mission requirements Sept. 1, and 20 Sailors assigned to EODGRU 1 returned home.

"Whether it was by defeating a roadside IED, training friendly forces on C-IED TTPs or by collecting critical evidence off of the battlefield, our forces were there," said EODGRU 1 Command Master Chief Thomas Rebis. "It has been an honor to be part of such an exceptional organization of dedicated professionals that are the best our military and country has to offer."

Joint Task Force Troy was the first organization that combined inter-service, interagency and international counter-IED forces and capabilities into a single organization. Because of the success of JTF Troy, the organizational construct has been codified as a doctrinal organization to execute the C-IED fight.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 was the first Navy EOD brigade to assume command of JTF Troy in Iraq.