FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
A group of 25 Army divers assigned to the 511th Dive Detachment, Special Troops Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, marched into their unit hangar Feb. 19 at 5 a.m. greeted by family members, leaders and fellow Soldiers. The group, commanded by Capt. Edouard deCourreges and 1st Sgt. Raymond Ramirez, returned home to Virginia after completing a 12-month deployment to Southwest Asia.
During their year, the divers conducted bridge operations, port security operations and worked with the host-nation Special Unit Dive Team. The last year resulted in a career highlight for squad leader Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Kneipp.
"This marks my third deployment, however, this one was the most rewarding for me," said Sergeant Kneipp. "I was able to mentor, train and see all of our junior divers successfully meet all of their required qualifications."
Congratulating the Soldiers on a job well done was Lt. Col. Brian Hathaway, commander, 30th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C. Standing at the podium Colonel Hathaway kept his remarks to a minimum expressing to the Sappers his pride on a job well done and for them to enjoy a well-earned leave with their loved ones.
Due to the detachment's geographical location on Fort Eustis, the STB is responsible for administrative control of the Soldiers. Leaders of the STB were on-hand to welcome the Soldiers home.
Army divers must successfully complete two phases of training before earning the Military Occupational Skill of 12D, engineer diver. The first phase is three weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; six months of training at Panama City, Fla., marks the second and final phase of training.