MEC Expertise That Keeps Projects Moving
Legacy munitions delay progress, drive up costs, and pose serious risks. At ThayerMahan, we leverage our team's deep operational expertise to transform existing stakeholder networks into structured, responsive plans tailored to real-world conditions.
With over 900 combined years of UXO subject matter expertise, our team includes more than 30 veteran EOD operators, including former leaders of U.S. Navy EOD and salvage operations, and former U.S. Coast Guard Federal on Scene Commanders. We deliver safe, effective, and regulator-approved solutions that keep your project on schedule.
Our Operations
We deliver full-spectrum UXO/MEC services across land, surf, and sea environments, with tailored approaches that meet real-world conditions and regulatory requirements.
We Provide:
Reacquisition
Precision reacquisition of previously detected contacts using advanced platforms (ROVs with magnetometers, tracked surf-zone crawlers) under UXO supervisor control.
Controlled Uncovering & Identification
Supervised dredging/uncovering, visual and sonar confirmation, and rigorous classification to separate UXO/MEC from benign debris.
Disposition Planning & Execution
From relocation (“lift and shift”) to coordinated, authorized disposal that meets all safety standards and leverages
partner assets as required. Program Management
A single, highly experienced ThayerMahan PM integrates your vessels, ROV/survey partners, and regulators—so you don't have to coordinate a dozen individuals.
Land, Surf, and Sea
We operate in all environments where MEC/UXO may be encountered:
- Offshore construction zones and cable routes
- Surf-zone and shoreline areas
- Ports, harbors, and near-shore infrastructure
- Land-based construction sites and former artillery ranges
- Littoral zones and sensitive marine habitats
Deflagration Required? Talk to an Expert First
Our team is comprised of expeditionary maritime operators with U.S. EOD backgrounds of field experience. They understand that MEC is not a one-size fits-all challenge – it demands operational insight and situational awareness to identify the safest, most efficient course of action.
The “Conventional” Approach:
Re-acquire, submit deflagration requests, wait months for approvals (delaying the project), and conduct unnecessary detonations that trigger additional regulatory support.
ThayerMahan's Approach:
Apply decades of experience to distill thousands of data points into a focused list of actionable targets. Develop non-explosive response plans tailored to project requirements, ensuring regulatory alignment and uninterrupted progress.
Technology & Tools 
We employ industry-leading technology and proven procedures that reduce relocation time and ensure safe, accurate, and efficient operations.
Specialized EOD Equipment
We employ industry-leading technology and proven procedures that reduce relocation time and ensure safe, accurate, and efficient operations.
Specialized EOD Equipment
- 7-meter RHIB EOD Support Craft
- 5.4-meter Remote Ordnance Lift System (ROLS)
- Remote Ordinance Lift & Shift (ROLS) EOD Grab Tools (≤36”)
- Heavy-Duty ROV Systems
- Schilling 150 HP Work-Class ROVs
Operational Enhancements
- RHAPS (Remote Heading, Attitude & Positioning System)
- Real-time RHIB and ROLS tracking
- Enables precise target placement and reduces relocation time
- Eliminates need for laydown buoys
- Significant reduction in relocation time per target
- Algorithmic, Computer-Aided Cameras
- Increases safety and accuracy of UXO identification
- Reduces time spent on positive ID
Big Bubble Curtain (BBC) Acoustic Mitigation
- Reduces shock factor and bubble pulse from counter-UXO detonation
- Used in Vineyard Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and Empire Wind campaigns
Proven Track Record
Our UXO campaigns have delivered 100% success rates across major offshore wind and defense projects:
- Vineyard Wind – 2022
- Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind – 2023–2024 (12 months, 5 vessels, 100% success rate on 240 of 240 completed cMEC/cUXO moves)
- Empire Wind – 2025
- NATO MCM in Romania – 2024–2025
- Sasebo, Japan – 2025–2027
Milestones
- First U.S. Disposition Plan – Oct 2023
- First U.S. Munitions Response Plan – Jan 2024
- First U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Interagency MOTR Brief – Jan 2024
Meet Our Experts
ThayerMahan's senior UXO team has shaped U.S. DoD EOD policy and technology for over three decades. They are routinely consulted by active-duty EOD units and authored the first U.S. MEC/UXO Disposition and Munitions Response Plans for Federal Regulation in the United States.
Frank Morneau Vice President, Operations & Special Projects
- Rear Admiral, USN EOD (Ret.)
- Former Commander of all U.S. Navy EOD and Diving & Salvage Forces
- Senior EOD Officer, U.S. Department of Defense
Rob DeBuse Vice President, Seabed Programs
- Captain, USN EOD (Ret.)
- Former Commander, U.S. Navy EOD Forces in Afghanistan
- Supervisor of Diving, U.S. Navy
- Multiple operational assignments worldwide
Mason McCabe Director, UXO & Salvage Programs
- Former U.S. Navy EOD Officer
- Company Commander, EOD MCM and SOF Companies
- Operations Officer, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO
Anthony Santino Deputy Director, UXO & Salvage Programs
- Force Master Chief, USN EOD (Ret.) of all U.S. Navy EOD, Diving & Salvage, and Expeditionary Combat Forces
- Former Master Blaster of the U.S. Navy
- Command Master Chief of US Navy School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal
- Command Master Chief, EOD GROUP ONE (All Pacific Fleet EOD Forces)
- Command Master Chief, EOD MOBILE UNIT EIGHT, Sigonella, Sicily
- Field Test Director and Subject Matter Expert, Directed Energy Directorate, US Air Force Research Labs, Kirtland AFB
Bottom Line:
A large volume of ordnance rests on and under the seabed, impacting offshore projects and infrastructure. Our team is prepared to detect, classify, and remediate it safely.
A large volume of ordnance rests on and under the seabed, impacting offshore projects and infrastructure. Our team is prepared to detect, classify, and remediate it safely.
Let's talk about your project. Whether you're in early planning or facing an urgent UXO challenge, our team is ready to help.
