Space Force

CLEVELAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District’s Cleveland Resident Office is bringing a new look to its facility and the downtown waterfront.

The office’s new outdoor mural “Let Us Try” uses the work of a local artist to showcase the connection between USACE’s mission and the city’s history, while providing provide a new attraction for visitors and residents year-round.

It all started with an idea from USACE’s Cleveland team members to add something new and artistic to their office and warehouse space on the Lake Erie coastline.

The team wanted something that would be noticeable and communicate the Corps of Engineers role on the Great Lakes region and across the nation.

The team contracted Cleveland-based Land Studio to gather proposals and help find the right style for the project from local artists.

They landed on Derek Brennan.

Brennan designed “Let Us Try” and incorporated multiple facets of the Corps of Engineers mission – from ensuring safe navigation and the flow of commerce on federal waterways to ecosystem restoration and natural resources management. He highlighted USACE’s direct connection with the City of Cleveland by prominently featuring the city’s founder and Corps of Engineers General Moses Cleaveland in the middle of the mural, tying everything together.

Let us try is the English translation of the Corps of Engineers’ French motto, “Essayons.”

Instead of being directly painted on the USACE office’s wall, the mural was printed on weatherproof material and attached with a bracket system that allows it to stay vibrant throughout the Cleveland seasons.

Visitors to the downtown waterfront can see the mural year-round at 1035 East 9th Street.

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The history of the United States is deeply intertwined with the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since its inception in 1775, the Corps of Engineers has continuously adapted to evolving defense needs and has been a pivotal force in the Nation’s development. Today, its Civil Works mission remains a cornerstone of our Nation’s infrastructure, driving economic growth, enhancing quality of life, promoting environmental health, and ensuring National security for all Americans.

ZUTENDAAL, Belgium – The team from Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux hosted the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Honorable Ronald T. Keohane, at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite and the Eygelshoven APS-2 worksite, Nov. 6.

As the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Keohane is responsible for a wide range of matters, including civilian and military personnel policies, Reserve integration, military community and family policy, and Total Force planning and requirements. He also maintains oversight for the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Defense Commissary Agency.

“Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux hosts distinguished visitors and senior officials quite frequently at our APS-2 sites. It’s important we meet with these visitors and senior leaders on a regular basis,” said Maj. Matt Hill, the AFSBn-Benelux executive officer.

“Visits like this help to demonstrate our capabilities and highlight the important relationships we have with our host nation partners. It’s truly a team effort, and we wouldn’t be successful without our host nation partners from Belgium and the Netherlands,” Hill said.

The Zutendaal APS-2 site maintains equipment designated for a sustainment brigade and separate reporting units, plus three operational projects, and encompasses 80,000 square meters of warehouse space in 28 warehouses as well as 500,000 square meters of outdoor storage. The Eygelshoven APS-2 site provides 450,000 square feet of climate-controlled warehouse space in nine warehouses as well as 50,000 square feet of hardstand storage to hold and maintain APS-2 equipment sets.

Responsible for the two APS-2 worksites, AFSBn-Benelux is one of four battalions assigned to the 405th Army Field Support Brigade. The battalion has mission command of APS-2 Zutendaal in Belgium and APS-2 Eygelshoven in the Netherlands. The battalion is charged with providing and coordinating receipt, transfer, storage, and maintenance of APS-2 at the two sites.

The 405th AFSB’s APS-2 program enhances U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s readiness and capability to support the warfighter while simultaneously promoting stability and security in the region. By providing turn-key power projection APS-2 packages ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, the APS-2 program is a key component of U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s power projection and warfighter readiness missions.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to U.S. Army Sustainment Command and headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The brigade provides materiel enterprise support to U.S. forces throughout Europe and Africa – providing theater sustainment logistics; synchronizing acquisition, logistics and technology; and leveraging the U.S. Army Materiel Command materiel enterprise to support joint forces. For more information on the 405th AFSB, visit the official website at www.afsbeurope.army.mil and the official Facebook site at www.facebook.com/405thAFSB.

-A Pathway to Growth and Opportunity

In an Army career marked by resilience, SPC Angel Mendiola has taken on an unusual yet promising challenge. Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Seguin, Texas, Mendiola now finds himself stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he recently embarked on an unexpected journey into the Air Force’s Airman Leadership School course (ALS). Typically, Army E-4s seeking promotion to E-5 attend the Basic Leadership Course (BLC), but with BLC unavailable locally, the 10th Support Group saw an opportunity to explore joint training. Mendiola’s attendance serves as a proof of concept for joint training and leadership development, advancing the Army’s commitment to fostering joint-minded leaders within the Department of Defense. The concept aligns with broader goals outlined in the Joint Professional Military Education model, which underscores the need for early joint exposure to create cohesive, well-prepared teams across branches.

Joining the Army represented a fresh start for Mendiola, a chance to shape his future. His journey into military service was inspired by his mother’s strength and humility. “My mom taught me the importance of respect and humility,” he reflects, crediting her with shaping his values and work ethic. Coming from a blue-collar background, he was always drawn to practical skills and hands-on work. Joining the Army gave him a path to build on these qualities and balance duty with personal growth.

-Bridging Leadership Styles and Building Trust

When his leadership asked him to attend ALS, Mendiola didn’t hesitate. “As a soldier, I do not ask why my leadership asked me to attend this course,” he says, viewing the challenge as a chance to experience something new. Arriving at ALS, Mendiola found a structured military environment that felt familiar but had its differences. The Air Force’s approach to leadership quickly became apparent, with a unique emphasis on collaboration and open communication—essential qualities in building an adaptable, joint-oriented mindset. Experiencing how another branch operates has broadened his perspective, giving him a valuable look into the different ways teams can foster trust and uphold discipline.

Mendiola’s time at ALS has shown him how joint training fosters both trust and adaptability. Interacting with Air Force peers, he’s learned to appreciate the nuances of cross-branch communication. “It’s been a great way to see how each branch has its own language,” he says. Each branch has its own set of terminologies and protocols. Through these experiences, Mendiola is developing a more flexible approach to leadership, one that values listening, curiosity, and the diverse perspectives of others.

For Mendiola, effective leadership means setting an example and doing the right thing, both legally and morally. “Leadership is about more than just tasks—it’s about doing the right thing, legally and morally,” he says. At ALS, he’s building skills to foster trust, open communication, and loyalty within his team. By understanding how the Air Force cultivates these qualities, Mendiola believes he’ll emerge a stronger leader. He envisions these skills not only strengthening his Army career but preparing him for joint operations in the future, a vital part of the DoD’s mission.

-Forging a Foundation for Future Collaboration

Throughout the course, Mendiola is acquiring new tools to bring back to his Army role. ALS’s focus on creating a supportive team culture has reinforced his commitment to integrity and open communication. He wants to create a space where his soldiers feel safe to voice concerns, share ideas, and take ownership of their roles. “A strong leader serves others and fosters a supportive environment,” he says, sharing his goal to inspire trust and loyalty within his team.

This journey has also deepened Mendiola’s sense of sacrifice and purpose. Thousands of miles from his family, he feels the personal cost of his service, but he’s driven by their pride in his achievements. His support network back home, especially his mother, remains a constant source of encouragement. “My family doesn’t know much about joint branch training, but they’re always supportive of my success,” he says.

As part of the 10th Support Group’s efforts to champion joint training, Mendiola’s attendance at ALS underscores the importance of early joint exposure to foster mutual understanding across branches. This approach supports Army-wide training objectives that encourage inter-service training to meet joint force requirements, as seen in Army Regulation 350-1.

Looking back, Mendiola describes his experience as both challenging and rewarding. He hopes to encourage other soldiers to embrace joint training, sharing his advice: “Give it a shot, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll struggle if you don’t ask, but the experience is worth it.” For Mendiola, ALS is more than just a steppingstone in his career—it’s an opportunity to grow, lead with integrity, and be part of a forward-thinking military.

-Charting New Horizons in Leadership

SPC Angel Mendiola’s journey through the Airman Leadership Course is a testament to the evolving nature of military service and leadership. His experience highlights the value of adaptability and collaboration, vital to a forward-thinking military as the U.S. Army and Air Force work together to develop joint capabilities. As noted in recent joint military literature, this type of joint exposure is essential for cultivating a joint mindset that empowers leaders across all service branches to operate more effectively in integrated environments.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 held a dedication ceremony for the newly constructed Navy Special Operations Memorial at the EODGRU 2 compound on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Nov. 7.

Mounted on the granite arch in the focal point of the memorial are two bronze plaques bearing the names of 55 fallen Navy EOD Technicians and 28 fallen Navy Divers who died in the line of duty from 1942 to present.

The ceremony served as a moment of pause for the Navy Special Operations (NSO) community to honor the 83 EOD Technicians and Navy Divers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

During the memorial ceremony, Rear Admiral (ret.) Frank Morneau, a former EOD Officer and current chairman of the board of directors for Navy Special Operations Foundation (NSOF), made a vow to the Gold Star families of the fallen that the Special Operations community would never forget the Sailors named on the memorial who paid the ultimate price.

“Those 83 Sailors are not only a part of our history; they are a part of America’s history,” said Morneau. “These are people who we love and we will always remember. We will always say their names and we will continue to move forward with their names written on our hearts.”

Morneau also thanked the service members who are currently serving.

“It takes a lot to sign up for something that could make you leave everything on Earth, but you all do it willingly every time you wear that uniform,” said Morneau.

Many local commands came together to make the dedication ceremony a meaningful event for the community.

The ceremony featured a flyover by the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron 106, followed by speeches by key leaders from the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal community, then a reading of the 83 names on the memorial, a wreath laying, and a 21-gun salute by the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic honor guard, as well as music by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band.

Members of the NSO community conceptualized the memorial almost a decade ago. Since then, four successive EODGRU 2 commodores have carried the planning forward from original concept to the dedication.

The memorial was funded and constructed in coordination with NSOF, and the organization played a large role in the ceremony. Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (ret.) Patrick Flanigan, a member of NSOF who served 11 years active duty completing five deployments to the Middle East, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, played a critical role in the development and construction of the memorial, and spoke about the significance of it.

He described the symbolism of the design elements, from the healing garden to the brick walkway and the granite structures.

“The pathway, lined with inscribed stones, snakes through a garden of plants, flowers, trees that will bloom throughout the year with colors of red, white and blue. They also are hardy against the harsh Virginia summer, to ensure to their survival and longevity. At the end of the pathway, there is brick labyrinth and a granite archway, to represent the twist and turns of the paths we travel. Archways have been used throughout history to represent a gateway from this life to the next. The memorial was constructed in this specific location because the setting sun in the afternoon highlights the names on the plaques and accentuates the archway that they’re on.”

“This memorial was designed pay homage to all of the warriors that came before us. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice were more than technical experts and leaders within the EOD and Diver communities; they were fathers, teammates, husbands, sons and friends,” said Flanigan.

More than 600 members of the NSO community attended the ceremony, including Sailors, retirees, friends, and family.

The keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Bradley Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, expressed gratitude to the Gold Star families in attendance as well as those watching virtually and in spirit.

“These families carry a burden no one should bear; a grief that never truly fades. Yet they endure with strength and resilience, and they inspire all of us,” said Andros. “They are a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of unimaginable loss.”

“The groundbreaking and construction of this memorial began in 2022, but the spirit and heart of this memorial predates all of us,” said Andros. “Today marks a solemn yet hopeful occasion in dedicating this memorial. It is a testament to the courage sacrifice and unwavering service to our nation’s men and women, and thankfully, it formally and permanently expands recognition beyond only those who died in combat.”

The NSO Memorial not only honors fallen Navy Special Operations (NSO) warriors, but its design, thoughtfully created with symbolism throughout, promotes healing and wellness for current service members.

The archway symbolizes strength & support, lightness & openness within density, as well as a threshold through which one passes to enter another kind of time and space, and includes the names of fallen Navy EOD operators and Navy Divers.

The innermost pillars feature bronzed relief statues created by Josh King, the brother of a Navy EOD veteran. The outer pillars include the EOD master technician badge and the master diver badge.

The plinths along the walking path will contain plaques detailing the history and evolution of Navy Special Operations, spanning from WWII to present.

“This memorial stands as a perpetual reminder of the debt that we owe to our teammates,” said Andros. “It will inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of service and sacrifice, and it will always serve as a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring power of patriotism, and a symbol of our unwavering gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed sacrifice for our nation.”

The ceremony closed with a reading of the names of the fallen, followed by a wreath laying, playing of taps, and a 21-gun salute, in honor of their ultimate sacrifice and the continued sacrifices of the families they left behind.

Lieutenant Commander (ret.) Henry Thrift, a retired EOD officer who attended the ceremony, spoke after the ceremony about the importance of the memorial to the Special Operations community.

“The memorial is the anchor that keeps us steady. It allows us to remember our brothers who carried us, and helps us prepare for what comes next,” said Thrift. “In this tight knit community, almost all of us knew so many of the warriors on that wall. I remember their smiles, their jokes, how tough they were, how vulnerable they were, and how much it hurt to lose them. It grounds you. We’re humans. Our job is inherently dangerous.”

Thift continued, “No matter the conflict, the end state is to keep everyone safe. As special operators, we are putting a blanket of safety over the community and the world. We have learned lessons in blood, and we move forward by keeping everyone safer.”

Thrift is the president of the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association (NEODA). NEODA sponsored the reception after the ceremony, where past and present special operations members, friends, and family gathered to share stories and memories of those on the wall.

“Heroes never die if we speak their names,” said Flanigan. “If you knew them, tell their stories. If you didn’t know them, talk to people who did. Let their memory live on, especially when you come to this place. I hope that everyone in this community will use this memorial for retirement ceremonies, for award ceremonies, for promotions. Make good memories here, and those named on the wall will be here with us.”

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 (EODGRU 2) is a critical component of NECC that clears explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas, employs advanced tactics and technologies to exploit and secure the undersea domain for freedom of maneuver, builds and fosters relationships with trusted partners, and protects the nation from explosive threats.

For the full collection of photos from the ceremony, and additional news about U.S. Navy EOD, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.