CAPTAIN FRANCIS A. MORNEAU
UNITED STATES NAVY

Captain Morneau was commissioned at the U.S. Naval Academy in May 1983. Upon commissioning he completed initial training at Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport Rhode Island and the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida.

Following completion of initial training in June 1984, Captain Morneau was assigned as Assistant First Lieutenant in USS SHASTA (AE-33) homeported in Concord, California. Upon designation as a Special Operations Officer and Surface Warfare Officer, Captain Morneau transferred in September 1986 to Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Indian Head, Maryland, graduating in May 1987.

Captain Morneau reported to EOD Mobile Unit TWO, Ft Story, Virginia in June 1987. His initial assignment was as Officer in Charge, EODMU TWO Detachment TWENTY FOUR deploying to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. He was subsequently assigned as Department Head for Mine Countermeasures and served as Officer in Charge of Mine Countermeasures Detachment’s FORTY FOUR and FORTY SIX.

In May 1990, Captain Morneau reported as Officer in Charge of EOD Group TWO Detachment Norfolk, Virginia, under the operational control of Commander, Naval Base Norfolk, where he served until May 1992. During his tour, EODGRU TWO Detachment Norfolk was awarded the Battle “E” for service among the Atlantic Fleet’s 18 EOD Shore Detachments and a Letter of Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy.

Captain Morneau was subsequently assigned as Executive Officer, EOD Mobile Unit SIX in Charleston, South Carolina and completed deployments in support of United States and NATO Mine Countermeasures Forces. He left Mobile Unit SIX in October 1995 and was assigned as Officer in Charge, Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he served until May 1998.

Between 1998 and 2000 he served, concurrently, on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as Special Operations Community Manager, and in the Bureau of Naval Personnel as both Special Operations Assignments and Placement Officer.

Captain Morneau commanded the Thunderstealers of EOD Mobile Unit EIGHT from July 2000 through December 2002. While in command the Unit received the Navy Unit Commendation for assigned missions during Operation’s ENDURING FREEDOM, JOINT FORGE and DETERMINED RESPONSE in European and Central Command.

Between 2002 and 2005, Captain Morneau served in the Operations Directorate (J-3) of the Joint Staff. He is a 2006 graduate of the National War College. Captain Morneau assumed command of EOD Group TWO on 18 July, 2006.

Captain Morneau is authorized and proud to wear two Naval Unit Commendations, two Meritorious Unit Citations and the Battle Efficiency Award for service with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Units. He is qualified as a Master EOD Officer and Naval Parachutist. Captain Morneau is an Honorary Senior Chief Petty Officer, initiated on September 16th, 1996.