Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One (EODGRU-1) held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Oct 14.
During the ceremony, Capt. Dean Muriano relieved Capt. Chris A. Merwin as commodore of EODGRU-1.
Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific served as guest speaker and highlighted Merwin’s accomplishments while leading EODGRU-1.
“Commodore is more than just a title. It is a responsibility, an authority, and accountability of the command,” said Brakke. “Commodores align their Sailors in their charge with our core attributes of Integrity, Initiative, Toughness, and lastly Accountability.”
Brakke went on to describe the direct impact Merwin had not only on the EOD community, but the Navy as a whole.
“Commodore Merwin’s leadership and discipline set the standard for other leaders to follow,” said Brakke.” Chris led the Underwater Mine Countermeasures Working Group, which directed the EOD force-wide efforts to reshape UMCM into Expeditionary MCM. His direct involvement and leadership has reshaped how the U.S. Navy thinks about MCM.”
During Merwin’s tenure, EODGRU-1 successfully deployed five EOD and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit battalion staffs, 35 EOD platoons, eight MDS companies; 14 units of action for Joint Prisoner of War and Accounting Command missions; forces in support of 54 exercises; and 104 EOD teams for U.S. Secret Service missions all in support of various Navy, joint, and multi-national mission requirements across five geographic Combatant Commander Areas of Responsibility.
“This has been the most challenging and rewarding job that I’ve ever had,” said Merwin. “It was a genuine honor and privilege to serve as the commander of EODGRU-1. The hard work and success of the EOD Group was a team effort and I am thankful for the contributions of the group staff and operational units.”
Muriano vowed to continue the culture of excellence and professionalism set by Merwin.
Merwin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and received his commission through the Naval ROTC program in 1991. Merwin’s next assignment will be Naval Surface Mine Warfighting Development Center.
Muriano earned his commission through the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. After serving three tours in Surface Warfare, Muriano laterally transferred and qualified as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer. Muriano was previously assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va.
EODGRU-1 mans, trains, equips, and sustains seven subordinate commands and their 35 EOD platoons and seven MDS companies in support of Northern, Pacific, Africa, Southern and Central Command. U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.
