By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Clugston, a native of Grand Rapids, supports versatile missions while serving at Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One.
Clugston, a 2014 Jenison High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“My father was an IT2 in the Navy,” said Clugston. “I wanted to join not only to honor my country and follow in my father’s footsteps but also challenge myself to make something of my life.”
Hometown values
Skills and values similar to those found in Grand Rapids are important to succeed in the military.
“Back home, I learned the value of learning a trade,” said Clugston. “In the Navy, I am able to advance my skills and have the opportunity to retire from a job I am passionate about.”
These lessons have helped Clugston while serving with the Navy.
The mission
The mission of Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One, a subcomponent of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is to provide optimized logistics support to EOD forces through advanced planning and preparation in supply management; diving equipment support; tactical communications; intelligence; facility planning and programming; and limited tent camp support.
This support enables EOD training and operational units to focus on core mission skills and tasks, to further facilitate training and operations.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
As a member of the Navy, Clugston is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy has a worldwide presence that keeps the peace around the globe,” said Clugston.
A rewarding career
As Clugston and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is everything to me,” said Clugston. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It is a tough job but rewarding.”
Clugston is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my leadership in the Navy and the sailors who have stood by me throughout my career,” added Clugston.
