Virginia Beach, Va. (Aug. 29, 2006) - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Pressley assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two (EODMU-2) reflects on the life of his fallen shipmate, Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Paul J. Darga, during a memorial service given to his wife and family on board the Little Creek Amphibious Base Chapel. Darga was killed on Aug. 22, 2006, by an improvised explosive device (IED), while responding to a previous strike. His unit was conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar, Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin K. Thomas


Story Number: NNS060831-21
Release Date: 8/31/2006 3:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Casandra Newell, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Family and friends from across the country joined the local Navy and civilian community at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Aug. 29, to pay final respects to Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EWS) Paul John Darga, who was killed in Iraq, Aug. 22, while responding to an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the Anbar Province.

Several of Darga’s colleagues shared their memories during a packed service at the Little Creek Chapel. Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EWS) Randolph Lawson, who served with Darga at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2’s Detachment 20, shared his thoughts with the audience.

“He was practical under pressure, and he consistently proved himself to be a natural leader and teacher,” Lawson said. “God bless Paul for all his contributions to the community and the way he touched our lives.”

Darga joined the Navy 14 years ago as a Seabee serving in Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3. Later in his career, Darga joined Underwater Construction Team 1 and Construction Battalion Mobile Unit 303. He attended Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in 2000 and achieved the rank of chief petty officer in 2005.

Darga oversaw hundreds of ordnance disposal missions, which included defusion of 40 IEDs by February 2005. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V, as well as numerous other awards, medals and citations.

Darga’s widow Karie implored her husband’s colleagues to remember his contributions.

“It’s the job of every EOD technician to learn from his tragedy and honor his memory," Karie said.

Darga’s mother, who died in March, left a box for mementos to be placed in for Darga’s two-year-old daughter Kailey. During the service, Karie urged Paul’s friends and colleagues to fill it.

“I ask each of you whose life Paul touched to write a letter so Kailey will know what a hero her father was,” she said.