MEDIA RELEASE
Public Affairs
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two
2520 Midway Rd, Virginia Beach Va, 23459-3323
TELE: 757-462-8454 x 1800 E-MAIL: nathan.c.potter@navy.mil
For Immediate Release
Release No. 13-006
March. 15, 2013
EODMU 2 Holds Change of Command
U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy
Savarese
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – 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 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 over 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 saying, “they stand on the front lines and use all their guile
and authority to face down the enemies of freedom of this country.”
For additional information, please contact EOD Group Two Public Affairs:
EOD GROUP TWO PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER:
Lt. Nathan C. Potter, USN
757.462.8454 ext. 1800
757.376.9652 (c)
nathan.c.potter@navy.mil
Online: navy.mil/local/eod2/
necc.navy.mil
MEDIA RELEASE
Public Affairs
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two
2520 Midway Rd, Virginia Beach Va, 23459-3323
TELE: 757-462-8454 x 1800 E-MAIL: nathan.c.potter@navy.mil
For Immediate Release
Release No. 13-006
March. 15, 2013
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 CDR 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 Boatswains Mate 2nd 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/.
-30For additional information, please contact EOD Group Two Public Affairs:
EOD GROUP TWO PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER:
Lt. Nathan C. Potter, USN
757.462.8454 ext. 1800
757.376.9652 (c)
nathan.c.potter@navy.mil
Online: navy.mil/local/eod2/
necc.navy.mil