9/16/2006
Electronics Technician Second Class (SW/EOD) David Roddy was born on April 1, 1974 in Baltimore, Maryland. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 27, 1999 under the Delayed Entry Program and reported for Recruit Training on November 2, 1999.
After graduating from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois on January 12, 2000, David completed Electronics Technician “A” School on July 19, 2000. Upon completion of additional training, he reported to USS Juneau (LPD 10) homeported in Sasebo, Japan. While onboard JUNEAU from November 5, 2000 until October 3, 2003, Petty Officer Roddy earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification and was recognized as the 2002 Sailor of the Year. An exceptional Sailor, he was responsible for multiple electronic and radar systems vital to the ship’s mission as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces supporting the Pacific Fleet.
Following a successful tour, he was selected for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community and reported to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) Panama City, Florida on March 19, 2003 to begin his training as an EOD Diver. Graduating Dive School, David reported to Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal Eglin AFB, Florida for additional training. He graduated on May 20, 2004. After follow-on training at EOD Training and Evaluation Unit ONE in San Diego, California, Petty Officer Roddy reported to EOD Mobile Unit TWO in Little Creek, VA for his first operational assignment as an EOD Technician. While assigned to EODMU TWO, he completed communications, small arms, navigation and Helicopter Rope Suspension Training and was assigned to Detachment TWENTY.
As a true “guy’s guy,” Petty Officer Roddy enjoyed playing paintball in his off time as well as tinkering with just about anything around the house. An EOD Tech at heart, it was common for him to take something apart to see how it worked.
David was killed in action during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM while supporting combat operations under Multi-National Force West in the Anbar Province.
David is survived by his wife Cristale, children Jessica, Michael and Matthew, father, Bob and a host of family and friends.