INDIAN ISLAND — All experts in explosives handling and bomb containment, these Navy sailors deep-water dive, parachute, handle chemical hazards, even fast-rope rappel to reach watery danger zones.
“We’re the only service that does that,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 Cmdr. Joseph DiGuardo Jr., at Naval Magazine Indian Island on Thursday.
DiGuardo, his eyes tearing up, said his unit’s training at Naval Magazine Indian Island through June 30 is in remembrance of fallen sailors, one in particular who died a year ago Thursday.
“In the last year, we lost six sailors in our unit . . . Our warriors put themselves between deadly devices and innocent people.”
DiGuardo has completed six combat deployments to Iraq, and is a highly decorated officer who wears the Bronze Star.
From their Indian Island command center at Crane Point, DiGuardo and about 60 Explosives Ordnance Disposal personnel will conduct training, beginning today.
They are known as Task Group Rasar from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and they’re joined in training by 14 personnel from the Australian Navy.
Three Canadian Navy personnel will observe the training.
The mobilization will focus on ground preparation, water rescue and even involve dives around ships at the Naval Magazines munitions pier, said DiGuardo, whose unit put on a demonstration for community leaders, including Port Townsend Deputy Mayor George Randels, who welcomed the unit.
“This unit deploys to Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world,” said Cmdr. George Whitbred, who leads operations at Naval Magazine Indian Island.
