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The Navy Special Operators Memorial
The memorial is on track to be completed on time for an unveiling at the EOD Group TWO Family Day on August 18th. After over 3 years of planning, negotiations, approvals, and setbacks, construction on the centerpiece and the paver walkway is scheduled to begin in April. Custom paver bricks will be available for purchase on April 1st. You will be able to purchase a paver for yourself, or one for a brother or sister to be placed in placement in the walkway. The website to order the custom pavers will be sent as soon as it is available.
EOD / Navy Diver Fleet Exposure Pilot Program
Navy EOD Group TWO is hosting a cohort of 20 personnel of BUDs Re-class, and PREP/ASC DORs, Fleet Conversions. These individuals will be integrated with EOD and Diving Command early in the accession pipeline to establish connectedness, increase resiliency, and improve physicality to better prepare for pipeline.
The individuals will arrive on or around 27 March and will remain at Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek/Fort Story until approximately 14 April (3) week. Following this Pilot Program, we hope to accomplish the following:
- Establish connectedness to EOD / Diving community early in accession pipeline
- Increase mental resiliency and warrior toughness techniques in EOD / ND candidates
- Improve physical preparedness and in-water competencies
Connectedness Initiatives
- Galley Meals – Active Duty EOD/NDs will accompany candidates for all meals to discuss EOD/ND communities
- Physical Training – Incorporate STRIKE professionals for on proper physical fitness techniques to prepare for pipeline training and connect to operational facilities
- EOD/Diving Community Heritage Leadership Mentoring –Partnering with NEODA and NSOF to build community connectedness and a life-long legacy in line with Ethos
- Fleet Exposure – Candidates exposed to operational forces, EODGRU 2 units, and EOD/ND training events
I have recently discussed the events with EOD Group TWO and they have requested that some of the local Chapter and other Retired / Former EOD/ND community to involve ourselves with this Pilot and future cohorts as part of the EOD/ND Fleet Exposure Pilot Program. We are not obligated but can join the class during some downtime.
We are soliciting retired and former EOD Technicians of all generations to spend some time with these potential future warriors of our community. The purpose of the sit-downs with the Active-Duty and retired community is to provide many different perspectives, realities, and just great stories in different periods of Navy EOD's existence. A lot of us remember the program before the 20-year war. We remember our Mil-to-Mil experiences (South, Central, European, Africa, and Pacific Command Exercises that brought like-minded operators around the world to accomplish joint camaraderie.
The Tidewater Association is looking for volunteers for Saturday, 1 April, and Saturday, 8 April, from 1200-1400. As previously discussed, there will be a Cohort of 20 personnel arriving next week and we would like to solicit volunteers to join these “Wanabees” during some downtown. it will be the same cohort both weekends. The Cohort is mostly BUD/S reclass to EOD/ND for this first pilot program.
Pat and I will be sending out a watch bill to provide EOD Group TWO with a list of those interested in providing their knowledge and wisdom from their experiences.
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