Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 held a change of command ceremony, March 2, on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Wade Hilderbrand relieved Cmdr. Geoffrey Townsend as commanding officer of EODMU 3.

"I remain deeply honored to have been provided the opportunity to lead the men and women of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3. The Sailors of EODMU 3 have my deepest thanks for all they have done over the last two years for our country, our Navy, and the EOD and diving communities," said Townsend.

Townsend, a native of Houston, graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1999. Townsend will depart EODMU 3 to serve in the Program, Planning, and Development Branch of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV).

Hilderbrand, a Bend, Oregon native, graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2001. Prior to assuming command, he served as a program analyst in the Program, Planning, and Development Branch of OPNAV.

"I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 and am very thankful for the Sailors and families of the command that make this honor a reality," said Hilderbrand.

EODMU 3 provides operational EOD capabilities 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.

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