Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 1 held a change of command ceremony, Aug. 9, at Naval Base Coronado.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. David “Crockett” Pavlik relieved Cmdr. Albert “Bert” Hornyak as commanding officer of EODESU-1.

Hornyak assumed command of EODESU-1 in May 2016. During his time as commander, EODESU-1 deployed independent-duty technicians with expertise in construction, weapons, diving and medicine in support of deploying EOD task forces, battalions, companies and platoons.

"EODESU-1 is the Navy's premier combat logistics command," said Hornyak. "I am grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead, be led by, and serve with the men and women of EODESU-1. They crush it every day. The warriors of ESU are committed to winning in all circumstances. They are a disciplined team of inspiring leaders and tenacious fighters who are masters of their trade. It was truly an honor and a privilege."

Additionally, Hornyak led the unit in providing critical communications, infrastructure, and fiscal support to EOD operational units participating in joint and international exercises.

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

"The change of command ceremony is unique in the world today, in that it is the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another," said Muriano.

Hornyak is a native of Severna Park, Maryland, and commissioned in the Navy following graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1997. His next assignment is to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, where he will lead their ordnance program.

“I’ve got an expression that especially applies here at EODESU-1: 'Our stock is rising,'" said Pavlik. "From the work Bert has done before me to the pride and professionalism of this crew, our stock is rising. When the people in an organization love what they do and are the best at it, your stock is rising.”

Pavlik is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, graduated from the University of San Diego State University in 1991 and most recently served as the logistics officer at Expeditionary Strike Group 3 in San Diego.

EODESU-1 is located on board Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and plans, coordinates, integrates, synchronizes, and provides logistics support for EODGRU-1 and its subordinate EOD mobile units, mobile dive and salvage units, and the training and evaluation unit in garrison and forward deployed to Central Command, Africa Command, Pacific Command, and Northern Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

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