Naval Surface Warfare Division Indian Head EOD Technology Division’s EOD Department and Expeditionary Exploitation Unit 1 celebrated the EOD mission, history, technology, achievements and family in a dedication ceremony and family day at Naval Support Facility Indian Head’s Stump Neck Annex, June 16.
The event recognized both those who have provided – and those who continue to provide – an uninterrupted flow of products, services, solutions and support to the EOD warfighter for more than 70 years.
Keith Plumadore, EOD Department Head, served as MC for the event. “As we gather to recognize EOD technicians who gave their all carrying out the EOD mission, it is also appropriate to take this opportunity to contemplate on how circumstance brought us to this isolated and picturesque peninsula on the Potomac almost exactly 70 years ago,” said Plumadore.
“When you navigate your way here through rural Southern Maryland and finally find this place with its peaceful wooded scenery and the single roadway navigating the base, you wouldn’t think much is going on here,” Plumadore said, “but this little annex has been both directly and indirectly integrated into many of the most important and transformational military events experienced by the United States.”
The EOD elements of the NSWC IHEODTD can trace their origin back to the earliest days of World War II when the U.S. Navy recognized the need for a capability to counter emerging threats from advanced and more complex weapons systems being deployed by other nations.
Retired EOD Officer and Paralympian, Brad Snyder, served as special guest speaker for the ceremony. As an EOD Officer, Snyder deployed in the Spring of 2011 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After six months of assault operations, Brad was severely injured Sept. 7, 2011, when he functioned an improvised explosive device (IED) that was buried in the ground.