Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two Hosts Change Of Command Ceremony

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb Capella | 230828-N-BP898-1002 VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia (Jul. 28, 2023) – From right to left Capt. Carl Haywood, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, incoming commander of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 and Cmdr. Steven Cobos, outgoing commander, MDSU 2 listen to a benediction at a change of command ceremony at Drexler Manor Conference Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, in Virginia Beach, Virginia Jul. 28, 2023. MDSU 2 is headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story under Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 (EODGRU 2). EODGRU 2 provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations and oversees all east coast explosive ordnance disposal and dive and salvage operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Navy Diver First Class Caleb Capella//Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

08.11.2023

Story by Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Luberto 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO (MDSU TWO) conducted a change-of-command ceremony Jul. 28, 2023 at Drexler Manor at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Story in Virginia Beach, Va.

Cmdr. Garrett Pankow relieved Cmdr. Steven Cobos during a ceremony in front of friends, family, and Sailors, while welcoming aboard its newest commanding officer, Cmdr. departing Cobos addressed the guests and crew

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve this command, team, and family,” said Cobos. “The people, not the walls, are what makes this place great, and I was truly honored to have served as your commanding officer.”

The ceremony included the reading of orders from the outgoing and incoming commanders. Upon completion of orders reading, the incoming commanding officer assumes command. The change-of-command ceremony is a time honored Naval tradition. The commanding officer to be relieved passes his or her authorities to the gaining person to command the ship or station.

“I’m honored and grateful to be standing in front of you today as the new commanding officer of this amazing unit,” said Pankow. “MDSU TWO salvage experts have answered the call to recover U.S. Navy Fleet interests and further our Nation’s interest from World War II to the recent High Altitude Balloon recovery. I look forward to leading all members of this professional team as we work together executing current efforts and preparing for future challenges.”

Pankow assumed command of MDSU TWO after attending the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Cobos will be assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group TWO (EODGRU TWO) as chief staff officer.

MDSU TWO, headquartered out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., is the Navy’s East Coast diving and salvage unit, providing skilled and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

• Date Taken: 08.11.2023
• Date Posted: 08.18.2023 10:50
• Story ID: 451209
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US