On November 7th, R3 Teammates joined more than 600 Sailors, retirees, friends, and family at the dedication ceremony for the newly constructed Navy Special Operations (NSO) Memorial at the U.S. Navy EOD Group TWO compound on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The NSO Memorial was dedicated by the Navy Special Operations Foundation (NSOF), the Navy EOD Association (NEODA), and U.S. Navy EOD Group TWO.

The focal points of the NSO Memorial are two bronze plaques bearing the names of the 55 Navy EOD Technicians and 28 Navy Divers who have died in the line of duty since 1942. However, the memorial not only honors fallen NSO Warriors, but its design – thoughtfully created with symbolism throughout – also promotes healing and wellness for current service members. NSOF and NEODA worked diligently to ensure that meaning has been embedded in every detail of this project.

During the ceremony, Rear Admiral (ret.) Frank Morneau made a vow to the Gold Star families of the fallen that the NSO Community would never forget the Sailors named on the memorial. He also thanked the service members who are currently serving. The keynote speaker, Rear Admiral 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.

“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.”

NSOF’s mission is to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight. R3 is committed to supporting NSOF and the extraordinary men and women who serve in Navy Special Operations. We have representative corporate membership on NSOF’s Advisory Board and have been honored to sponsor construction of the NSO Memorial and Wellness Area Project and past NSOF Benefit Galas.

We encourage everyone to learn more about NSOF and the vital work it does at Navy Special Operations Foundation.

Learn more about the NSO Memorial dedication ceremony here.