Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit News

04 Feb 2022

Tug and Barge Transporting Munitions Run Aground on Florida Beach

(Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

A tug and barge ran aground Thursday night near Deerfield Beach, Fla., while transporting munitions from Port Canaveral to a U.S. Naval facility in the Bahamas.The U.S.-flagged tug Sea Eagle had four people on board when it began taking on water and went aground at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said. No injuries or pollution have been reported, and both the tug and barge are said to be in stable condition.Three of the crew members were rescued from the attached barge by Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) rescue crews.

15 Feb 2021

Subsea Defense: Navy Deepens Commitment to Underwater Vehicles

Senior Chief Mineman Abraham Garcia (left) and Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Joshua Gaskill, members of the Knifefish Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) test team, man tending lines during crane operations as part of an operational test conducted by members from Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR). Knifefish is a medium-class mine countermeasure UUV designed for deployment off the Littoral Combat Ship. OPTEVFOR is the Navy’s sole test and evaluation organization for surface, air, and un

The U.S. Navy uses unmanned and robotic underwater vehicles for a multitude of functions, including environmental sensing, mine hunting, and salvage. The Navy plans to evolve an unmanned systems operating concept that is platform agnostic and capable of operating in highly complex contested environments with minimal operator interaction.The most recent edition of the Navy’s Unmanned Systems (UxS) Roadmap was issued in 2018, and a new version is expected in the near future. The 2018 document states that UxS will operate in every domain…

26 Jan 2018

Navy, NASA Complete Underway Recovery Test

With their main role of conducting amphibious operations, San Antonio-class ships have unique capabilities that make them an ideal partner to support NASA's mission. One of the more important capabilities is the ship's ability to recover the test capsule using the ship's well deck, which was designed to launch and recover amphibious craft. Anchorage also has the ability to carry and deploy multiple small boats to aid in the recovery process of the capsule and contains an advanced medical facility ideal for treating the returning astronauts. URT-6 consisted of releasing the test capsule from the well deck, then carefully maneuvering the ship alongside the capsule at slow speed. Once the test article was far enough from the ship, the lines attaching the capsule to the ship were released.

15 Nov 2015

U.S., Korea Conclude Exercise Clear Horizon

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 1, and Mine Countermeasure Squadron (MCMRON) 7, completed the bilateral mine countermeasures exercise Clear Horizon with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, Nov. 13. Exercise Clear Horizon is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and ROK navies that focus on increasing capabilities and coordination between ships, and aircraft in mine countermeasures in international waters surrounding the Korean peninsula. "This exercise is a testament to the strong partnership between the U.S. and our ROK partners," said Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, the commander of Naval Forces Korea. Approximately 330 U.S.

16 Jul 2015

Cheyenne Navy Week Kicks Off

Rear Adm. Michael White, commander, Naval Education Training Command, from Denver, accepted a proclamation from Cheyenne's Mayor Richard Kaysen during the Cheyenne Navy Week Kick-Off Concert, July 14. The Kick-Off Concert featured U.S. Navy Band Southwest's Brass Quintet and their popular music group the "Destroyers," as well as a screening of "Top Gun". "We here in Cheyenne are proud to be one of 12 cities chosen to host Navy Week," the mayor said. More than 150 residents came to show their support to their Navy, while also enjoying the festivities. "This community has been extremely welcoming for myself and all of the Sailors here," said White.

28 May 2013

'Mine-Pouncing' is Just What it Says

Mine Pouncer: Photo credit USN

Members of US Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 participate in a recent mine pouncing training exercise in the Indian Ocean. "Back in the day, they would jump out of a helo near a mine and attach an explosive to it," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician 2nd Class Ruben Villegas. "They would then get picked up and go on to the next one, then the next one. That's where the term mine pouncing came from."
 It seems nothing much has changed. Currently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68)…

10 Nov 2011

Seafarer Heroism Honored at AOTOS Event

Presenters: Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, USN Commander of Military Sealift Command,The Honorable Helen Delich Bentley, David Matsuda, U.S. Maritime Administrator

Five separate episodes of heroism and bravery on the high seas were recognized at the 42nd annual United Seamen's Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) dinner. The AOTOS event itself honored James L. Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute; General Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, former Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Robert D. Somerville, Chairman of ABS (formerly the American Bureau of Shipping). The maritime industry's most prestigious awards since…

07 Apr 2010

U.S. Support to ROK Salvage Ops Leadership Change

Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Rich Landolt, has assumed the duties as the senior naval officer in charge of U.S. Navy assistance to the Republic of Korea (ROK) in their salvage efforts for the ROKS Cheonan Apr. Landolt has been on-site for several days to assess the situation and acclimate his staff to the mission. Additionally, he has met with the ROK lead for the salvage efforts, Vice Adm. Kim Sung-Chan, and his staff aboard ROKS Dokdo several times to coordinate future plans. His ship, USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), will serve as the U.S. Afloat Staging Base for this operation and he has brought with him portions of his staff and portions of Amphibious Squadron 11, commanded by Commodore Mark Weber. Landolt will command of all U.S.

03 Mar 2008

Nimitz CSG Ships Arrive in South Korea

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is moored near the Republic of Korean submarine Sohn Won-il (SSK 072) at Busan Naval Base. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is taking part in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008, an annual joint exercise involving forces from the U.S. and the ROK. U.S. USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) arrived in Busan, Feb. 28, for a scheduled port visit in conjunction with exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 (KR/FE 08).

20 Feb 2008

U.S. and Japanese Sailors Dive into Joint Training

Sailors from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) took time during their recent port visit in Sasebo to perform passing exercises (PASSEX) with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Six Sailors attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 traveled to the JMSDF EOD headquarters at Sakibe Naval Base where they practiced basic underwater diving skills and Camp Ainoura where they trained with rangers attached to the Western Army Infantry Regiment. "It was great to be able to dive and train not only in another country but with another country's military," said Ensign Karl Staehle, a platoon leader with EODMU-11.

25 Jan 2008

Nimitz Gets Underway for Western Pacific Deployment

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed San Diego Jan. 24 with commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment. Nimitz is deploying under the Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP) and will operate in the Western Pacific Ocean in support of U.S. commitments in the region while the forward-deployed USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) undergoes scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan. FRP was designed to allow the United States the ability to rapidly respond with flexible and sustainable forces to any global commitment on short notice. "Our mission will be to ensure security and stability in the region," said Capt. Michael Manazir, Nimitz' commanding officer. The Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm.

21 Jan 2008

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Set to Deploy

From Commander, U.S. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), with more than 7,000 Sailors and Marines, will deploy Jan. 24 while the forward-deployed USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) undergoes scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan. Nimitz CSG is deploying under the Navy's fleet response plan (FRP) and will operate in the Western Pacific in support of U.S. commitments in the region. The FRP provides the United States with the ability to respond to any global commitment with flexible and sustainable forces and the ability to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice. The Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, is comprised of Commander…

05 Sep 2007

Seahawk 2007 Strengthens Navy, Coast Guard Maritime Security Team

Members of the Mobile Security Squadron 3 visit, board, search and seizure team approach a vessel they will be boarding as part of exercise Seahawk 2007. Seahawk 2007 is a joint maritime security exercise involving integrated active and reserve forces from the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. U.S. Navy Sailors and Coast Guardsmen combined forces Aug. 22 to conduct visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics in support of Exercise Seahawk 2007. The two-week exercise gave Navy and Coast Guard security teams the chance to demonstrate joint VBSS scenarios to various fleet commanders. “This training period is a great opportunity to practice tactics with our Coast Guard counterparts,” said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Justin Crowe, Mobile Security Squadron (MSS) 3.

20 Aug 2007

Nimitz Concludes Valiant Shield 2007

An HH-60H Seahawk helicopter flies past the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) concluding Valiant Shield 2007. The PHOTOEX featured 15 ships and 17 aircraft from Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps including a B-52 bomber. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups were participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew J. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) with John C.

04 Apr 2007

Patriot, Guardian Complete Foal Eagle 07

- Mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) pulls into port at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, becoming the first U.S. Navy ship to utilize the air base’s recently built port and harbor facility. While in Iwakuni, crew members of the Sasebo, Japan-based ship will have an opportunity to interact with the local population and Iwakuni-based Japanese Self Defense Force personnel. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam R. Sasebo, Japan-based minesweepers USS Guardian (MCM 5) and USS Patriot (MCM 7) successfully completed mine sweeping operations with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) as part of Foal Eagle 2007 on March 30.

27 Mar 2007

Minesweeper Sailors Make Port Visit to Chinhae Before RSOI / Foal Eagle

Mine warfare ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) is anchored in the waters just off of Hong Kong island as the crew makes a scheduled port visit. Patriot Sailors and embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU-5), are visiting Hong Kong after several relationship enhancing visits and interoperability-focused exercises throughout Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. By Chief Electricians Mate (SW) Noel B. CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The crew of USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, March 21 in preparation for the upcoming bilateral exercises Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) 07.

09 Mar 2007

Carrier Strike Group Wraps Up Joint Exercise

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 took their final steps toward deployment as they completed the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) March 2. The exercise was designed to test the group’s ability to operate in a complex, hostile environment along with other U.S. and coalition forces. “This was a perfect opportunity for everyone to come together to hone their skills,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Billy Ward. Ward said JTFEX effectively simulated real-world situations Nimitz could encounter during its time in the Persian Gulf. “I know we have the talent and skill to take on any challenge and win,” Ward said. Capt. Ted Branch, Nimitz’ Commanding Officer, held captain’s call March 3 for the ship’s crew.

06 Dec 2006

Navy Conducts First Escape Exercise From Nuclear Sub

Seven personnel practiced locking out from the attack submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) and ascending to the surface wearing special suits that are designed to enable a free ascent from a stricken submarine Dec. 2 during ESCAPEX at the Navy’s Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility in Ketchikan, Alaska. While several foreign navies practice the maneuver routinely, the U.S. Navy had not conducted it in more than three decades, and never from a nuclear-powered submarine. The Navy’s renewed interest in submarine escape comes as U.S. submarines operate more frequently now in shallow coastal waters, said Submarine Development Squadron (CSDS) 5 Commander Capt. Butch Howard, who oversaw the exercise.

12 Oct 2006

Navy EOD Launches Exercise Edged Response

Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, Det. 5, and Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, Det. 4, are collaborating with Kenyan naval forces during a bilateral Edged Response training evolution, Oct. 9-19, in Manda Bay, Kenya. The 10-day training exercise encompasses a variety of subjects, including dive medicine, light-weight salvage recovery, and cutting and welding techniques, followed by practical applications. According to Williams, this is a great way for his divers to learn about different techniques and equipment, while expanding their working relationship with the Kenyan forces. Navy divers participating in the exercise say they are excited about working alongside the Kenyan navy divers.

30 Jun 2006

Patriot Arrives in Brunei

Sasebo, Japan-based USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Brunei for a scheduled port visit June 25, meant to enhance the relationship between the U.S. and Brunei. The visit will be highlighted by a number of social and goodwill opportunities between Patriot Sailors and the people of Brunei, including top dignitaries, members of the Royal Brunei Navy and special-needs kids. “Our primary mission here is to interact with the people of Brunei so that we can work to create a stronger mutual relationship between the United States and Brunei,” said Lt. Cmdr. Richard D. Brawley, Patriot commanding officer. Events planned during the port visit included a softball and soccer game between Patriot crew members and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN); a ship tour and reception for U.S.

02 Feb 2006

Navy Ship Provides Assistance to Disabled Cargo Ship

A Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1661, assigned to Assault Craft Unit Two (ACU-2) approaches the port beam of the distressed motor vessel Al Manara as a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter pass overhead. Nassau supplied the ship with 10 days of food and water using LCUs and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) while the ship waited for a tugboat to pull it into port. Nassau is deployed as the flag ship for Expeditionary Strike Group Eight (ESG-8) supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO seek to preserve the free and secure use of the world's oceans by legitimate mariners and prevent terrorists from attempting to use the maritime environment as a venue for attack or as a medium to transport personnel, weapons or other material that could support their efforts.

08 Dec 2005

USS Austin Renders Assistance to Fishing Boat

USS Austin (LPD 4) answered a call for assistance from the Saudi Arabian fishing boat Riviera Dec. 6 while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf. Austin was within visual range of the fishing boat when the five crew members signaled for assistance at approximately 10:20 a.m., when their fishing nets became entangled in their boat’s screw. "Our lookouts, Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Thomas Zabetakis and Seaman Stanley Kinner, did an excellent job this morning spotting the vessel at [a distance of] 5 nautical miles in hazy conditions,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Evans, Austin’s executive officer. After providing tools to the distressed vessel, it was determined that further assistance from U.S. Navy divers would be needed.

08 Nov 2005

U.S. Navy Removes RPG Remnants from Cruise Ship

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. The U.S. Navy responded Nov. 7 to a request to dispose of suspected unexploded ordnance left over from a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) that struck the cruise liner Seabourn Spirit during a Nov. 5 attack by pirates near the coast of Somalia. Members of U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, Detachment 4, were already in Seychelles to provide support to a previously scheduled port visit by USS Gonzalez. The EOD team met Seabourn Spirit at sea prior to its arrival in port. Two RPG rounds had struck Seabourn Spirit while the vessel evaded the pirates’ attempt to board. Two technicians from the Navy team, led by Officer in Charge Lt.