86th Engineer Dive Team Change of Command

Photo By Spc. Matthew H. Oda | From left to right: Sgt. 1st Class Brett Boyer, Cpt. Russell Destremps, Col. Richard Knowlton, and 1st Lt. Joseph Lunn stand at the pool's edge with their diving helmets, waiting to jump in and conduct the 86th Engineer Dive Team change of command ceremony underwater, at Camp Patriot, Kuwait, Sept. 24.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

09.29.2009

Story by Spc. Matthew H. Oda 

Joint Force Headquarters - Wyoming National Guard

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT — The former commander of the 86th Engineer Dive Team relinquished his command today, and passed it on to the new commander in a change-of-command ceremony held underwater at Camp Patriot, Kuwait.

First Lieutenant Joseph Lunn succeeded Capt. Russell Destremps, who's been with the unit since Sept. 6 as a team leader. Destremps left the unit last summer to fill a staff position at Camp Patriot. After being there for several months, he discovered his unit was deploying to his location. Army Central Command became aware of this and relocated him to join the unit on their deployment as the commander, March 9.

The ceremony was held underwater at the camp's pool to honor a dive team tradition.

"It goes along with the traditions of what we do in the dive field," said Destremps. "Our job set is unique, therefore our change of command ceremony should follow suit with that. It also gives an opportunity for everyone else to come out, see, and participate in a change of command ceremony that's not like every other one," explained Destremps.

As this being his first time as a commander of a dive team, 24-year-old Lunn, has many expectations to uphold and traditions to learn.

"We will continue to keep the high expectations and traditions of being a deep sea diver," said Lunn. "We will continue with our mission, not lose focus, and within the next few months increase our operational tempo," he added. "Ever since I've been running with the team when we first deployed, I got to know the ins and outs of everything so I have no fears about anything. Working together we've developed a great camaraderie, and I know my leadership will pull through whenever we face those tough times," he finished.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2009
• Date Posted: 09.29.2009 13:21
• Story ID: 39435
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW