EOD school changes leadership 24th time since 1941

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Capt. Adam Guziewicz relieved Capt. Thomas Green as commander at the Naval and Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Nov. 7, in a ceremony which marks the 24th change of leadership since the school's establishment in 1941. 

The ceremony served to not only mark the end of a successful command, but also the retirement of Captain Green's lustrous 27-year career. His career path has led to qualification as a Master EOD technician, Surface Warfare officer, Diving Officer and Naval Parachutist. 

"I am truly honored to have worked of a team of great instructors and staff," said Captain Green. 

The son of a Senior Chief Torpedoman, Captain Green was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981. 

Captain Green began sea duty aboard the USS FORT SNELLING in the engineering and deck departments. He participated in the liberation of Grenada and made two deployments as part of the multi-national peacekeeping forces in Beirut, Lebanon. 

Ashore, Captain Green served as Officer in Charge of the EOD detachment in Newport, Rhode Island, supporting submarine weapons design programs. This detachment operated throughout New England conducting military ordnance recovery; emergency response to chemical weapons and explosive devices; and anti-terrorist support to the U.S. Secret Service protecting the President, Vice-President, and foreign heads of state. 

His first command opportunity was at EOD Mobile Unit THREE, in San Diego. Captain Green deployed EOD detachments conducting underwater mine countermeasures and supporting Pacific Fleet amphibious operations. He was also responsible for operations of Navy's marine mammal programs, employing dolphins and sea lions to locate sea mines and combat swimmers. 

For his most recent assignment as commander of the Navy and Joint Service EOD School, Captain Green has provided a centralized direction for research, development and life cycle management of EOD equipment and systems. 

According to the United States Navy Regulations, Article 0802 the responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is absolute. 

"Any military officer can give orders, but it takes an exceptional leader to instill personal pride, personal ownership, and a strong desire to get the job done right the first time," said Capt. Randall Getman, former Center for EOD and Diving commander. 

Captain Guziewicz, the incoming commander, also has a decorative record and plans on continuing the Naval EOD School history of excellence. 

"You've laid the ground work for the progression of significant growth, your efforts will be continued," said the new commander.