Ft. Story holds change of command event

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Cmdr. Charles Eckhart relieved Cmdr. Gregory Hubbard of his duties with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 in a ceremony Friday.

The event was held on the waterfront of Harbormaster Unit, Join Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

Hubbard has been in command of EODMU 2 since June 2011 and officially retired Friday. In that time, the EODMU 2's units have been deployed  to South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

"I believe my sailors are some of the hardest working people in the Navy and I can never praise them enough for being the consummate professionals they have proven time and time again to be," Hubbard said. "Our technicians expose themselves to dangerous situations in some of the harshest environments to save service members lives and they and their families should be recognized for their selfless dedication to others."

Eckhart enlisted in the Navy 11 years ago.

"The opportunity to serve a command as commanding officer is an honor and to serve in that capacity at EODMU 2 is a dream," said Eckhart. "Navy EOD is the ultimate team sport and I look forward to being on the roster at EODMU 2."