Explosive Ordnance Disposal Leadership Award Winners Announced for 2026
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) announced the recipients of the 2026 Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Leadership and Excellence awards, Sept. 14, recognizing three leaders who have profoundly impacted the community’s warfighting readiness.
The annual awards honor an officer, a senior enlisted leader, and a training professional who exemplify the leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence of the nation’s maritime EOD force. The achievements of these individuals directly contribute to a more lethal and ready Navy, ensuring the fleet can fight and win.
Lt. Cassandra R. Dooley, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12, received the Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman Leadership Award. The award recognizes an outstanding officer who epitomizes the EOD ethos and excellence in leadership. Dooley’s leadership was pivotal in preparing her 30-person Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Company for demanding global missions. Her innovative use of towed-array sonar during an F/A-18 recovery operation enabled her team to locate the crash site in under eight hours, a testament to the adaptability required to maintain a decisive advantage in complex environments. By developing new tactics for experimental unmanned vessels and integrating with Naval Special Warfare, she directly advanced the Navy’s ability to field a ready, combat-credible force that deters adversaries and protects the homeland.
EODCS David T. Medwedeff, from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 1, earned the Force Master Chief Anthony L. Santino Leadership Award. This award honors a senior enlisted leader who embodies the principle that Sailors are the Navy’s decisive advantage. Facing manpower shortages, Medwedeff rallied 27 Chiefs to redesign the command’s training model, enabling the simultaneous preparation of multiple units. His efforts ensured over 700 personnel across 21 EOD, diving, and special operations units were certified for operational employment. By prioritizing the development and mentorship of his Sailors, Medwedeff fostered a culture of accountability and problem-solving, creating a stronger and more resilient enlisted force ready to lead in a warfighting environment.
Lt. Howard E. Chunn, also assigned to EODTEU 1, received the Commander Kevin P. Childre Excellence Award for his profound impact on training. In a security environment where readiness is a warfighting imperative, Chunn led a 94-person department to overhaul seven unit-level training plans, aligning them with major combat operations requirements. His work expanded the command’s training capacity and restored valuable operational availability to fleet units. By establishing common training standards across both coasts, he ensured that every deploying EOD force is measured against the same high bar of lethality and proficiency. Chunn’s dedication to mentoring junior officers on tactical employment strengthens the very foundation of combat leadership, ensuring the next generation is prepared to fight and win.
These leaders represent the core of the U.S. maritime dominance, demonstrating that the Navy's strength is forged through the professionalism, innovation, and warfighting spirit of its people.
For more information, visit https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil/eod/
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