Photo By Seaman Apprentice Trace Gorsuch | NAVAL OUTLYING FIELD IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Service members...... read more read more
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IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 welcomed its newest leader during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach, Calif., Oct. 9.
Cmdr. Eric Bokhoven relieved Cmdr. Ryan McGinn during an outdoor ceremony at the unit’s headquarters. Friends, family and EODMU 11 personnel were in attendance.
In command since Nov. 2023, McGinn led a team of 192 personnel during his tenure as commanding officer. Under his leadership, combat-ready EOD platoons were deployed in multiple areas of responsibility where they successfully conducted a wide range of operations in support of Navy and special operations forces. His team also advanced the Navy's Subsea Seabed Warfare (SSW) capabilities by pushing the development of tactics, techniques and procedures both at home and abroad.
“Every man and woman of EODMU 11 makes daily contributions to the team and mission, resulting in a profound sense of trust and commitment which steel us against the inevitable hardship and danger which define the nature of special operations,” said McGinn. “I am deeply grateful for having had the privilege stepping into the arena, shoulder-to-shoulder, with the warriors of the finest mobile unit in the fleet."
McGinn, from Arvada, Colo., will continue to serve in the Mine Warfare Branch of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for Expeditionary Warfare following his command tour.
Presiding officer, Commodore, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) One, Capt. Clint Cornell discussed the significance of leadership and command in the Navy during his remarks.
“One of the most significant traditions of our Naval heritage is the seamless transfer of authority and accountability of command,” said Cornell. “Those who wear the command pin must have the character, expertise and judgement to make difficult decisions, inspire others and build high performing teams, and both Cmdr. McGinn and Cmdr. Bokhoven certainly exemplify this commitment.”
Capt. Jake Keefe, Military Deputy, Office of Strategic Capital, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Keefe praised the strong team culture fostered at EODMU 11.
“This is a special place and community because of the Sailors,” said Keefe. “While leaders may change out, the culture remains the same because of the Sailors here. It is up to you all to keep warfighting excellence moving forward.”
In his first address as EODMU 11’s commanding officer, Bokhoven highlighted the unit’s abilities to continue performing at a high level through any conflict.
“I am confident EODMU 11 will continue to meet the nation’s challenges,” said Bokhoven. “We are aligned with the Navy’s call to deliver peace through strength, sustain combat credibility, and keep our Sailors at the center of everything we do.”
Bokhoven, from Ames, Iowa, arrives at EODMU 11 after completing the Blended Education Program at the Army War College.
EODMU 11, a subordinate command of EODGRU 1, operates as part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force, providing skilled, capable, and deployable maritime EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2025 15:02 |
| Story ID: | 551608 |
| Location: | IMPERIAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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