VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Lucas Garl, a native of Nora Springs, Iowa, serves among the Navy’s quiet professionals assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2, bringing precision and lethality wherever the Navy needs it.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Garl graduated from Central Springs High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Nora Springs.
“I wrestled and played baseball growing up, and that gave me the team aspect that I needed to get through tough times,” Garl said. "This has helped me tremendously in the Navy."
Garl joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Garl serves as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.
“I joined the Navy because my great-grandfather was in the Navy, and I wanted to create new experiences by traveling the world,” Garl said.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians are trained to take on the most dangerous jobs in defense of their nation. From the ocean floor to combat zones overseas, they neutralize underwater mines, disarm improvised explosive devices, and ensure the safety of U.S. and allied forces. With roots in maritime operations, Navy EOD stands apart as the only force capable of rendering safe explosives across every domain.
At the heart of this mission is EOD Group 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This command oversees multiple EOD mobile units, providing expeditionary expertise wherever it’s needed — from supporting carrier strike groups to assisting federal and local agencies at home. EOD technicians embody courage, precision, and adaptability, working in environments where a single mistake can mean catastrophe. Their mission is simple but profound: to make the world safer, one threat at a time.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Garl has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from EOD School,” Garl said. "It takes about a year and a half to two years to complete the EOD pipeline of selection, dive school, and EOD school, and there is a 40-65% attrition rate."
Garl serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a purpose and a never-ending goal to reach,” Garl said. "There is always something to get better at and something to learn. The people I work with are my lifelong family."
Garl is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mentors who have helped me stay on track and given me the guidance I needed when I needed it most,” Garl said.