VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Vincent Miller, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, serves among the Navy’s quiet professionals assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2, bringing precision and lethality wherever the Navy needs it.
Miller graduated from Hickory High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesapeake.
“I wrestled in high school; it taught me to apply myself,” Miller said. “It definitely showed me that hard work gets you where you want to go.”
Miller joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Miller serves as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.
“I wanted to have adventures and see the world,” Miller said. ”I felt like it was a great opportunity to travel and do some cool stuff.”
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.
Miller has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is gaining my senior EOD Badge,” Miller said. “Gaining the badge is something that starts two years after being an EOD, getting qualified is a weeks-long process.”
Miller 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 has shown me what it’s like to be part of a team,” Miller said. “Being both a sailor and an EOD technician have shown me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank the leadership I have in the EOD community,” Miller said. “There’s no shortage of mentors here.”
“I love being an EOD, being able to jump out of planes and diving,” Miller said.
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sylvie Carafiol, Navy Office of Community Outreach