The 23rd Master Blaster of US Navy Pinned

The 23rd master blaster of the Navy was pinned during a ceremony in San Diego, Jan. 18.

During the ceremony, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EWS) John Carr assumed the title of master blaster from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EWS) Stephen Treadwell Jones with fellow EOD Sailors, family members, and friends in attendance. The ceremony was the result of Treadwell’s pending retirement.

The master blaster title was established in 1980 to recognize the individual currently serving on active duty who has compiled the longest record of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) assignments.

Carr enlisted in the Navy as an undesignated seaman in May 1983, out of Indianapolis. Carr served aboard ammunition ship USS Pyro (AE-24) and while on a Western Pacific cruise aboard Pyro, he was recruited by members of EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 Detachment. Carr was selected to attend EOD Assistant School in September 1986 and attended dive school in Panama City, Fla. in October of that year. Carr graduated EOD Assistant School in Indian Head, Md., in January 1987 and received his first EOD assignment to EOD Group 1 Detachment Yokosuka, Japan.

To date, Carr has completed seven tours with EOD commands, to include a tour as command master chief for EOD Training Unit 1. Carr’s current assignment is the command master chief for EODMU 1.

“Today is a small symbol of what ‘Woody’ John Carr has done for the Navy EOD community, the Navy, and our nation over the past 29 years,” said Cmdr. Daniel Malatesta, commanding officer, EODMU 1. “Just as Master Chief Carr has done throughout his career, he will bring honor and continue the storied legacy of prior Master Blasters of the Navy.”

U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards to include: improvised explosive devices, weapons of mass destruction, underwater mines and all other types of weaponry.

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Naval Today Staff, January 24, 2013; Image: US Navy