Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 hosted a triathlon on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island’s Seaplane Base, Aug. 7, as part of their weeklong “Last Blast” activities.

The event featured 23 participants, 17 individuals and two teams from the military and local community, competing in a 500-yard swim, 13-mile bike ride and three-mile run. This is the fourth time the event has been held.

The event is being held as a way of EODMU 11 “saying ‘good bye’” to Whidbey Island prior to its deployment later this year and their subsequent move to San Diego next June.

“I think this is a great thing to bring the command together; it gives us a little exposure before we move to San Diego next year, and it brings in the [local] community,” said EODMU 11 Chief Electrician’s Mate (SW) Seth Armstrong, event coordinator. “It’s been a great experience for EOD to be involved with this community [Oak Harbor] since September 1992 to June 2010.”

Individual participants were categorized into three age groups with plaques being presented to each first place winner. The overall and 20-35 winner was Lt. Zachary Scheetz, of EODMU 11, with a time of 65:50. Second place overall and first in the 20 and under category, was Evan Wilson with a time of 68:21, and first place for 36 and over was Ron Rhinehart with a time of 72:14.

“I just wanted to have fun and meet everybody and get the community involved in what we’re doing,” said Scheetz. “We’re getting ready to take off, and this is kind of a thank you for being part of this community for this long. The command has had some tough times over the last few years and the community’s been right there behind us every single time.”

The lone female competitor for the event, Debbie Gallo, 55, who finished with a time of 75:15, is training for the 2009 Triathlon World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia, next month. Gallo has been running triathlons for 10 years.

“This weekend is my fourth weekend in a row of racing. I’m using these races to get in good shape, and then I’m going to have a nice taper to be ready for September,” said Gallo. “I love the sport; I love getting out and enjoying the outdoors. I’m grateful that I have a body I can push to do this.”

With the departure of EODMU 11 from the Whidbey Island community next year, the future of the triathlon is uncertain. Command Master Chief (AW/SW) James Reynolds, Patrol Squadron 1, is hoping to garner support around NAS Whidbey Island to find another command to take up the reins of being host.

“We’ll have to find someone else to take this over, but I’ll motivate some people to keep this thing going,” said Reynolds. “As you can see, there are a lot of civilians and retirees that come and do this and with some more advertising we can make this a huge event for Whidbey Island.”