explosive ordnance disposal

In this episode, Shelby is joined by Doug Smits who served in the US Air Force during the War on Terror and worked as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. The harmful waste materials he witnessed during his time serving inspired him to fight for the environment. Now Doug is enrolled at Case Western Reserve University studying law with a goal of becoming a lawyer who fights for our planet.

To Learn More, Check out our sources below.

 @casewesternreserve

https://www.airforce.com/careers/combat-and-warfare/explosive-ordnance-disposal-eod

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Capt. Oscar Rojas is the Commodore of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 (EODGRU1). Capt. Rojas was raised in Dumas, Texas, and enlisted as a Hospital Corpsman in June 1990.  After graduating from Wayland Baptist University in 1996, with a Bachelor’s of Science, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and commissioned as an Ensign in November 1997.

After completing Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Rojas served three SWO tours with USS Peleliu (LHA 5), Special Boat Squadron Two, and USS Whirlwind PC-11. He lateral transferred to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and in January 2002, he attended Basic Diving Officer, Mixed Gas Diving, and Salvage Officer courses in Panama City, Florida, and Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin AFB, Florida.

Rojas first served with EOD Mobile Unit Eight in Sigonella and led highly specialized EOD teams throughout the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM AORs.

In May 2006, Rojas transferred to EOD Mobile Unit FIVE, Apra Harbor, Guam, and served as the Operations Officer.  Additionally, he also served as the JSOTF-Philippines EOD Task Unit Commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines.

In Jan 2008, Rojas transferred to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit ONE (MDSU 1), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and served as the Executive Officer.  During this assignment, Rojas also served as MDSU 1 Liaison Officer to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific during the de-beaching and salvage operation of Uss Port Royal (CG 73).

In November 2010, Rojas reported to Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC, and served as the EOD Branch Chief.

From August 2013 to April 2015, Rojas served as the Commanding Officer, EOD Mobile Unit FIVE, Apra Harbor, Guam.  Due to EODMU 5’s extraordinary accomplishments during this period, Rojas was selected as a finalist for the 2015 Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.  

Rojas served as a Deputy Branch Chief for Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95) on the CNO Navy Staff from July 2015 to December 2016.

From December 2016 to Jan 2019, Rojas served as the Director, Joint Special Operations Command Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Cell.

Rojas is designated as an EOD Warfare Officer.  He has also earned the designation of Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Deep Sea Dive Officer, Naval Freefall Parachutist, and Surface Warfare Officer.  He earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in October 2010.

Rojas is proud to wear two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, four Navy Unit Commendation Awards, the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device, and the Battle Efficiency Award for service while assigned to joint, EOD, and MDSU commands.  

To learn more about EODGRU1, visit their Facebook page Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1

Connect with Commodore Rojas  via LinkedIn

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