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From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving (CEODD) held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Panama City July 13.
Capt. Robert Porter relieved Capt. James Turner, who is retiring after 38 years of naval service.
Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), was the guest speaker and recognized Turner’s contributions to the combat readiness and effectiveness of the Department of Defense explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and diving training programs during his nearly two-year tenure at CEODD.
“In this role, he led from the front in support of countless projects, plans and programs that ensured nearly 4,000 divers and EOD technicians from the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard were prepared to carry out their duties as elite professionals in support of operational taskings around the globe," said Brakke.
For his service at CEODD, Turner was awarded the Legion of Merit. Under his leadership, his award-winning team developed comprehensive professional military education for the Navy EOD community to advance the Navy's Total Force learning continuum and also reviewed and updated the EOD/Navy diver enlisted career roadmap, occupational standards, and rating exam development.
As Brakke praised Turner for his accomplishments throughout his entire career, Brakke emphasized the importance of authenticity in leadership, a trait that Turner exemplified by emphasizing self-awareness and honest relationships.
"In other words, it's the 'just be yourself' approach," said Brakke. "For JT, that 'self' was an officer who embraced his tactical acumen, a mentor who relished in interacting with junior teammates, and a Sailor himself who still embodied the spirit of that young man from Garrison, New York, motivated by a desire to serve his country and see the world."
Turner enlisted in the Navy in 1980 and went on to complete Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL and EOD training. He served with SEAL teams throughout the U.S. 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. As a qualified first class diver, Turner instructed at Naval Diving and Salvage Center and was promoted to chief petty officer.
He was commissioned through the limited duty officer program and served with EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5; EODMU 6; Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Defense EOD School in the United Kingdom; EOD Group 2; Maritime Force Protection Command; and EOD Training and Evaluation Unit 2. Turner completed an individual augmentee (IA) assignment to Iraq in support of U.S. Joint Forces Command theater-wide assessment.
After an assignment as officer in charge at Navy EOD Fleet Liaison Unit, Turner assumed command of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 and served at NECC and Expeditionary Warfare Development Center. He also completed an IA tour to Afghanistan while stationed with Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force.
Porter is arriving from the National Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs. Before that, he most recently served as the chief staff officer for Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7. He enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and first served as a nuclear power-trained electrician’s mate before attending the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training Program. Graduating from Boston University on a Navy ROTC scholarship, he was commissioned in 1996.
After completion of naval diving and salvage training and Surface Warfare Officers School, Porter served aboard USS Camden (AOE 2). He then graduated from EOD School and had tours with EODMU 6, EODMU 2 and EODMU 3. Porter was a liaison officer with the Multi-national Coalition, Iraq. He served at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Naval EOD Technology Division and commanded EODMU 1.
“I am excited to be here, working with this great team,” said Porter. “We have so many exciting new opportunities for Sailors today, and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
CEODD provides oversight and control of the career progression of Navy EOD technicians and divers as well as EOD and dive instruction for all services, select countries and government entities. Additionally, CEODD develops and manages the personal, professional, and leadership programs for all Navy EOD and diver, officer and enlisted personnel.
Additional information on the Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and
Diving can be found at the CENEODDIVE website at
https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/ceneoddive/.
For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao and Twitter @netcpao.
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2018 16:43 |
| Story ID: | 284219 |
| Location: | PANAMA CITY, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 337 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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