New Captain Takes Helm at Amphib Base's EOD Group 1

From a Navy news release.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One (EODGRU-1) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado Thursday in which Capt. Robert A. Baughman relieved Capt. Edward W. Eidson as Commander, EODGRU-1.

“Your EOD warriors are everywhere providing combatant commanders a ready force capable of defeating our enemies and helping to build the capacity of our partner nations,” said Vice Admiral Gerald R. Beaman, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet.

“Under your guidance and leadership, EOD Group One has demonstrated the reliability and flexibility that our nation depends on to address the challenges faced by our naval forces operating in the world’s maritime environments.”

During Eidson’s tour – the subordinate commands of EODGRU-1 – in support of Navy, Joint, and Multi-National missions within the Northern, Pacific, Africa and Central Command areas of responsibility. conducted:
 

• 3,932 combat missions and 257 direct action missions;
• Rendered safe 723 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), and 
• Eliminated “explosive remnants of war” totaling more than 242,000 pounds. 
  

In addition, Eidson and the staff of EODGRU-1 deployed for 8 months to Iraq and commanded Joint Task Force Troy in the execution of operations to counter IEDs.

“The effect the EOD force has had on our enemies, and the innocent people they terrorize, on behalf of the United States Navy cannot be understated. I have had the great fortune of serving with people whose devotion to something they believe is far more important than themselves,” said Eidson.
“The people of the United States can be justifiably proud of the selfless sacrifice by the sailors, Marines and civilians that comprise EODGRU ONE.”
Eidson was commissioned in 1988 at the University of Kansas after earning a degree in mechanical engineering. Eidson’s next assignment is to the Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group.

Baughman, a Norfolk, Virginia native, received his commission in 1990 through the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School after earning a degree from the University of Maryland in geography and cartography.
 
Prior to assuming command, Baughman served in the Operations Directorate of Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, in San Diego.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and professional group of sailors and civilians. I look forward to continuing the great work of training and deploying combat ready troops,” said Baughman.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

To learn more about EOD Group One, visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/eodgroup1.