EODMU 2 Holds Change of Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 held a change of command and retirement ceremony March 15 on the waterfront of Harbormaster Unit, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Charles B. Eckhart relieved Cmdr. Gregory W. Hubbard as Commanding Officer of EODMU 2.

"I believe my Sailors are some of the hardest working people in the Navy and I can never praise them enough for being the consummate professionals they have proven time and time again to be," said Hubbard. "Our technicians expose themselves to dangerous situations in some of the harshest environments to save service members lives and they and their families should be recognized for their selfless dedication to others."

Hubbard assumed command of EODMU 2 in June 2011. During his tour at EODMU 2, Hubbard deployed units to South America, Europe, Africa and all throughout the Middle East in support of both Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

"Being forward deployed with my sailors in the Middle East was especially rewarding for me. We made a strategic impact but most importantly we saved lives and that's what it's all about," said Hubbard.

Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, deputy director, Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95B), was the guest speaker for the ceremony and spoke to the crowd of more than 100 service members, civilians, families and friends.

Morneau first thanked Hubbard for his 20 years of service and spoke about EODMU 2 leadership past and present. They stand on the front lines and use all their guile and authority to face down the enemies of freedom of this country."

Morneau then addressed the command and said that while EODMU 2 is a small unit, the men and women have made a tremendous impact saving thousands of lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Mobile Unit 2 sailors have always, always been out in the front line," said Morneau. "Wherever there are Sailors, special operations forces or anyone in harm's way on the battlefield, you'll find Navy EOD technicians. You'll find the men and women of EOD Mobile Unit 2."

Hubbard is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign in May of 1993. After changing command with Eckhart, Hubbard officially retired from the Navy.

"My command tour with EODMU 2 is the pinnacle of my career and something I will always remember," said Hubbard. "It's not easy leaving a group of Sailors this talented but I know they are in good hands with Cmdr. Eckhart."

Eckhart enlisted in the Navy in 1992 and earned his commission in 1997 under the Seaman to Admiral Program while serving aboard tank landing ship USS La Moure County (LST-1194) as a boatswain's mate second class.

"The opportunity to serve a command as commanding officer is an honor and to serve in that capacity at EODMU 2 is a dream," said Eckhart. "Navy EOD is the ultimate team sport and I look forward to being on the roster at EODMU 2."

EODMU 2 provides operational explosive ordnance disposal capability as required for the location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons.
U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/.