Chris Merwin

Chris Merwin joined R3 as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Program Manager in early 2022. In his initial role, Chris managed a diverse team that provides training, logistics, maintenance, and staff support to Navy EOD units and Underwater Construction Teams. He was later promoted to his current role as Director of Operations and Security and now provides leadership across all facets of R3’s portfolios, responsible for the budgeting and performance of over 25 separate contract programs.

Throughout his EOD career, Chris served in leadership roles at every level: Damage Control Assistant on USS BEAUFORT (ATS-2), Diving and Salvage Officer at Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE, Officer in Charge of a Mine Countermeasures detachment at EODMU SIX, deploying to the Arabian Gulf, Operations Officer at EODMU TWO and EOD Group TWO, Executive Officer at EODMU FIVE, deploying to Iraq as the Officer in Charge of the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell (CEXC) for Task Force Troy.  He served as an EOD Staff Officer on the Joint Staff and at the US Pacific Command and as the Officer in Charge of the Mine Warfare Division at the Surface and Mine warfare Warfighting Development Center.  His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation, and Navy Achievement Medal.

He retired from the Navy as a Captain after 29 years of service.  He commanded EODMU TWELVE, deploying the unit to Iraq in support of Counter IED efforts in 2009, and EOD Group ONE where he was responsible for advancing the Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures concept and developing the Navy EOD Leadership Continuum. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.