28th Master Blaster of the Navy Pinned

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Thompson | 170302-N-QA919-0024 Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56 Command Master Chief, Robert McCue assumes the title of Master Blaster of the Navy with fellow explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician Sailors, family members and friends in attendance during the 28th Master Blaster Pinning Ceremony, March 2, at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. The title of Master Blaster of the Navy is given to the enlisted EOD Technician with the longest cumulative records of EOD assignments and whose service has been of such a nature as to reflect positive credit upon the EOD community. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Thompson)  

BAHRAIN

03.02.2017

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class STEVEN HOSKINS 

Commander Task Force 56

Command Master Chief Robert McCue assumed the title, which is earned by the longest-serving enlisted explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician in the Navy.

Begun in 1980, the title comes with unique privileges including being the only technician authorized to wear the gold enlisted master EOD badge. McCue’s name also goes on a plaque at the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

The ceremony was conducted by Capt. Bradley Andros, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56’s commanding officer and fellow EOD technician.

"Recognizing Master Chief McCue as the Master Blaster of the Navy is more than honoring one person,” said Andros. “The Master Blaster of the Navy is a personification of our EOD warrior ethos, and this recognition is one way we ensure our ethos is continued.”

McCue, a native of Bolingbrook, Ill., enlisted in 1988 as a radioman. Following his ambitions to be an EOD technician, he was able to attend Navy diver training. Upon completion of dive training, he went on to attend EOD Apprentice School in 1989, then his first EOD assignment, EODMU NINE Detachment Keyport, WA. McCue would go on to graduate EOD Technician school in Indian Head, MD, May 1991 and earned the coveted title as EOD technician.

"When I enlisted in the Navy in 1987 I could not have imagined making it to 20 years, much less closer to 30,” said McCue. “I am honored to serve as the 28th Master Blaster of the Navy."

McCue has completed nine tours with EOD commands, notably as Command Master Chief of EOD Mobile Unit 6, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2.

"I would like to thank each and every service member who so willingly volunteered to join the United States Armed Services - and especially those warriors who volunteered for our beloved EOD Community,” said McCue. “I stand here in awe of your accomplishments; I will proudly wear the Navy Gold Enlisted Master EOD Badge in honor of those who have gone before us and those warriors currently serving in harm’s way."

As the command master chief for CTF-56, McCue is directly charged with overseeing several different task groups that fall under their command. These task groups include: Naval construction force, Navy explosive ordnance disposal, mobile diving and salvage, maritime expeditionary security forces, Navy expeditionary logistics support forces, combat camera, riverine squadrons, expeditionary intelligence units, maritime civil affairs teams and expeditionary training teams.

CTF-56 has an emphasis on ordnance disposal in the region, and regularly deploys EOD technicians. These technicians are tasked to train coalition forces and build partnerships in the region, as well as gather information on the improvised explosive devices being used in theater.


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• Date Taken: 03.02.2017
• Date Posted: 03.16.2017 09:03
• Story ID: 227001
• Location: BH