Lieutenant Commander Geoffrey Townsend is a native of Houston, Texas.  He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in December 1999.  He has earned his designation as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, Surface Warfare Officer, Basic Diving Officer, and naval parachutist. 
Upon completion of Navy Diving and Salvage Training and Surface Warfare Officer School he was assigned to USS DEFENDER (MCM-2), from 2001 to 2003, where he served as the Electrical Officer and First Lieutenant.  Additionally, he served as the ship’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Evaluator       and Tactical Action Officer.
In 2004 he graduated from Explosive Ordnance Disposal School and was assigned as Officer in Charge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) FIVE Detachment’s ONE and THREE.  While assigned to EODMU FIVE he deployed in support of both Commander Strike Group FIVE and a Special Operations Command Pacific special compartmented program.
In April of 2007 he reported to Commander Mine Countermeasures Squadron ONE (COMCMRON ONE) as the Underwater Mine Countermeasures (UMCM) Tactics Officer.  He also served as the Director of Operations and Plans and the Korea/Taiwan Branch Head.
From May of 2009 to July 2010 he served as the Operations and Plans Officer at EODMU ONE and was responsible for the planning and execution of Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Diving and Salvage, Mine Countermeasures operations, and the Nation’s only Very Shallow Water Mine Countermeasures force.  While stationed at EODMU ONE he deployed in support of Commander, United States Forces Central Command as the Deputy Commander to Commander Task Group 56.1, the theater EOD and Diving and Salvage Commander.
In July of 2010 he reported to Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps where he served as the Navy Aide to both the 34th and 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
He reported to EODMU ELEVEN in July 2011 where he currently serves as the Executive Officer.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, and various service and campaign awards.