Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jeff Atherton | VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 29, 2021) Cmdr. Leslie Slootmaker arrives at Explosive...... read more read more
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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 29, 2021) - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 6 welcomed its newest leader during a change-of-command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek- Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia April 29, 2021.
Cmdr. Leslie Slootmaker relieved Cmdr. Brian Cummings as commanding officer of EODMU 6 in front of essential personnel and limited family, friends and service members in support of the Department of Defense’s sustained approach to combat the spread of COVID-19.
EODMU 6, known as the Kegbusters, has been homeported at JEB Little Creek since August 2008. The Kegbusters provide explosive ordnance disposal capabilities that are combat-ready, expeditionary and rapidly deployable across all environmental domains so the joint force is prepared to protect our Nation’s global interests - whenever, wherever, and however it chooses. EODMU 6 has supported multiple historic operations including Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
“For the past 35 years, EODMU 6 has provided mission capable and combat ready EOD forces able to deploy and execute EOD and diving operations globally in support of the joint force and our national interests both at home and abroad,” said Slootmaker. “As your 18th commanding officer, I am honored to work alongside each of you at this time in our nation’s history and to continue the legacy of the Kegbusters.”
“We continually evolve to meet the demands our nation sets forth for us,” Capt. Charles Eckhart, Commodore of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, said during his keynote speech. “It’s important that we maintain our heritage and remember what our core mission is as we go forward.” He praised EODMU 6 for maintaining it’s reputation as “the premier MCM command” since its establishment and conveyed that he believes “they have proven their worth.”
In his farewells as commanding officer, Cummings highlighted the effectiveness and resiliency of EODMU 6 during his tenure. “When I thought about what a successful command tour would look like, I settled on three things. First was that we bring everybody home, second that we get the mission done and third that we create an environment where people enjoy coming to work. I can quantifiably say that we accomplished the first two items and we nailed the third one.”
“All of my successes in command are directly attributable to you,” Cummings continued, addressing EOD technicians and their families directly. “The words and justification for this award… have little to do with me. You are the lifeboat of the command and I am humbled and honored to have been able to serve with you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make on a daily basis and defining what it means to be a Kegbuster.”
EODMU 6 is a critical part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) that clears explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas; secures the undersea domain for complete freedom of maneuver; builds and fosters relationships with a constellation of capable and trusted partners; and protects the homeland and American way of life. For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2021 16:38 |
| Story ID: | 396758 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,672 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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