Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony, June 7.

Cmdr. Trevor Ritland relieved Cmdr. Robert Marsh in front of the MDSU 2 crew, family and friends at E-Beach on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

Capt. Richard Hayes, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, served as guest speaker and said Marsh’s accomplishments are reflected in the exceptional crew.

He spoke of past eras of great power competition, recalling MDSU 2’s 1966 beginnings and mentioned two defining evolutions during Marsh’s time in command that enhance the U.S. Navy’s contributions in the high-end fight.

During Marsh’s command tour, MDSU 2 led a de-beaching evolution after Hurricane Michael that re-floated a U.S. Air Force missile retriever ship at Tyndall Air Force Base using new and unique salvage capabilities, and MDSU 2 held their largest ice diving training event to date in Minnesota, honing skills that may be employed in future operations.

Hayes continued, “I want to thank you on behalf of my entire staff for everything you have done in your tour.”

In recognition of his accomplishments while in command, Hayes presented Marsh a Meritorious Service Medal awarded by Rear. Adm. Brian Brakke, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

Marsh, from St. James, New York, is a 2000 graduate of Villanova University, where he commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.

“This crew gave me the opportunity to earn their trust, and it was my job to keep it,” Marsh said. “To MDSU 2, thank you for supporting me and letting me be your skipper. It’s been the absolute pinnacle of my career and will most likely remain that way in perpetuity.”

Marsh will assume duties as chief staff officer at EODGRU 2 for his next assignment.

Following Marsh’s remarks, Marsh and Ritland each read their orders, and Ritland assumed command.

Ritland, a native of Moorhead, Minnesota, is a 2002 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and reported to MDSU 2 from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, where he served as EOD, diving and salvage operations staff officer and then as deputy executive assistance to the USFF commander.

Ritland thanked his family for their continued support and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to command.

“I’m humbled at the opportunity to join your ranks and be part of your extraordinary organization,” Ritland said. “You have answered the call on many occasions and continue to embody integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness. In the era of great power competition, our maritime environment faces greater challenges requiring us to fight complacency and the status quo, build and leverage strengths, and be ready for the unexpected.”

EODGRU 2 oversees all east-coast based EOD and diving and salvage units and is comprised of EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2, EODMU 6, EODMU 12, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit 2, MDSU 2, and EOD Expeditionary Support Unit 2, all based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as well as EODMU 8 based in Rota, Spain.

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