JUL31-03: Navy Experimental Diving Unit Changes Command
By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Cmdr. Mark Matthews relieved Capt. Stephen Reimers as Officer In Charge, Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) on July 25 in a ceremony at Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Rear Adm. Thomas J. Eccles, Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare and Undersea Technology, Naval Sea Systems Command, gave the ceremony’s keynote address. Eccles spoke about the history of NEDU and Reimers’ leadership abilities.

“Previous commands have been like boat ownership, you’re happiest the day you arrive and leave. NEDU was my first command where I didn’t look forward to leaving,” said Reimers.

Reimers commanded NEDU since April 2005.
During Reimers tour he was instrumental in the recent changes to the U.S. Navy Dive Manual (the largest in 52 years), thermal studies for diver safety and leading a phased maintenance effort for the Navy’s ocean simulation facility.

Reimers’ next assignment is Director of Submarine Maintenance, Commander, Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Capt. Richard Hooper, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, also spoke and thanked Reimers for his years of service at NEDU and recognized its numerous accomplishments.

“It’s been an extremely dynamic time at NEDU, Captain Reimers has succeeded in addressing all of the challenges and more,” said Hooper.

Matthews congratulated Reimers on a very successful and productive tour and expressed his enthusiasm at the opportunity to continue the legacy of NEDU.

Matthews previously served as program manager for the Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System.
The Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU), a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), tests and evaluates diving, hyperbaric, and other life-support systems and procedures, and conducts research and development in biomedical and environmental physiology. NEDU provides technical recommendations based upon knowledge and experience, to NAVSEA in support of operational requirements of our armed forces.