EODMU 5 Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kelsey Eades | 190314-N-VR594-1205 SANTA RITA, Guam (March 14, 2019) Captain Oscar Rojas, commander Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, left, salutes Cmdr. Andrew Cook as he assumes responsibility as commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5. Commander Michael Tollison was relieved by Cmdr. Andrew Cook as commanding officer of EODMU 5 during a change of command ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey J. Hockenberger)  

SANTA RITA, GUAM

03.14.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander Task Force 75

Commander. Andrew N. Cook relieved Cmdr. Michael J. Tollison as commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU 5) at Naval Base Guam, March. 14.

Tollison assumed duties as commanding officer of EODMU 5 in June of 2017 and has led a battalion staff, 11 EOD platoons, a fly-away recompression chamber platoon, three unmanned system platoons, and two EOD shore-based detachments, executing theater and fleet directed operational tasking, subject matter expert exchanges, and military-to-military engagements.

While at EODMU5, Tollison expanded his command compound into a premier Navy EOD training facility, enhancing the ability to deploy highly ready units of action and train with partner nations.

“Over the past two years, under Cmdr. Tollison’s leadership, you have been the combat-ready force that deters wars and protects the security of our great nation,” said Capt. Oscar Rojas, commander Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One. “As we move forward under Cmdr. Cook’s leadership, you need to continue being ready to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and from the sea. Everything we do is designed for us to be ready for war today and in the future.”

After Cook took command, he stressed the importance of the mission set EODMU 5 has in the region.

“We play a critical role in serving our nation’s interests in this region,” said Cook. “As a forward deployed unit and task group, this team maintains vital regional partnerships, growing capacity and close mission partners in EOD, diving and other mission sets. Your efforts have directly contributed to incredibly important strategic end states, like the rule of law, and regional stability.”

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobil Unit Five is assigned to Commander, Task Force 75, the primary expeditionary task force responsible for the planning and execution of coastal riverine operations, explosive ordnance disposal, diving engineering and construction, and underwater construction in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Navy EOD technicians are an elite team of warriors who eliminate hazards from conventional ordnances, weapons of mass destruction, sea mines and improvised explosive devices, and accomplish expeditionary diving and salvage objectives. These Sailors foster trust and cooperation with like-minded nations, ensure offensive maneuver for conventional and special forces, and mitigate harm to U.S. and coalition forces as well as civilians.

For more information on EODMU-5, visit: http://www.facebook.com/EODMU5
For more information on CTF 75, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CTF75Guam/

• Date Taken: 03.14.2019
• Date Posted: 03.14.2019 00:57
• Story ID: 314162
• Location: SANTA RITA, GU