Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award during a ceremony at Naval Station Rota, Spain, Feb. 6.

The Battle "E," presented by Capt. Josh Jackson, commander of EOD Group 2, is awarded annually to units that display the maximum condition of readiness in their group and for their capability to perform their wartime responsibilities. Commands are graded in areas such as operational efficiency, readiness achievements, material readiness, training, schedule and cost performance.

"EODMU 8 has demonstrated sustained superior performance in a complex operating environment and set the standard for excellence across EOD Group 2," Jackson said. "They face unique challenges as my only forward-deployed mobile unit, and I am proud of their record of accomplishment, resulting in their selection as the Battle 'E’ award winner.”

EODMU 8 deploys platoons in support of special operations, mine countermeasures and mobility missions in both U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). During their deployments, they conduct theater engagement, partnership building, multinational exercises, mine countermeasures, EOD and force protection operations.

“The Battle 'E' represents the hard work of an amazing [Forward-Deployed Naval Force] crew, providing persistent EOD and expeditionary combat power across EUCOM and AFRICOM,” said Cmdr. Jeff DeMarco, commanding officer of EODMU 8. “This crew enhances deterrence posture and counters violent extremist operations in these two dynamic theaters. I couldn’t be prouder of the EODMU 8 Sailors and the families who support them.”

After presenting the Battle ‘E’ award, Jackson recognized individual achievements by EODMU 8 Sailors and presented various personal awards.

EODMU 8, headquartered at Naval Station Rota, Spain, is assigned to EODGRU 2. In addition to EODMU 8, EODGRU 2 oversees all east coast-based Navy EOD mobile units, EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, and the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2.

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