Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105
MIUW Unit 105
MIUW Unit 105 is a commissioned, hardware equipped component of the Navy's Force Protection Package, providing seaward security, surveillance and communication support for commanders operating in littoral areas worldwide.
For Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105, 1999 began with the receipt of a newly manufactured AN/TSQ-108A(V)3 Radar Sonar Surveillance Center-System Upgrade (RSSC-SU) van. The new equipment was formally received during a System Operational and Verification Training (SOVT) and Fleet Introductory Training (FIT) exercise held at NAB Coronado. The upgraded capabilities of the RSSC-SU include a Mobile Sensor Platform (MSP) to provide remote radar/IR/video sensors, a hydraulically operated Portable Sensor Platform with radar and an Electronics Support Measures (ESM) antenna, a Graphical Data Fusion System that displays all sensor data overlaid on a digital map and Joint Maritime Command Information System (JMCIS)/Global Command and Control System-Maritime (GCCS-M) equipment that allows for fleet-wide interfacing of tactical information. Previous training and operational experience with System Upgrade vans allowed the unit to quickly become proficient in the use of the new systems. While in San Diego, CA for the FIT, the unit also performed a van compatibility test on the SWATH test vessel MV SLICE in preparation for the upcoming Fleet Battle Experiment Echo.
Within three weeks of the formal acceptance from SPAWAR, MIUWU 105 deployed the new RSSC-SU van and MSP to San Francisco, CA for operations in support of Fleet Battle Experiment Echo, a CNO-sponsored exercise to test a mobile Naval Force Protection concept in an asymmetrical urban littoral environment. MIUWU 105 functioned as the Harbor Defense Commander for the exercise while underway aboard the MV SLICE. Operating aboard the MV SLICE presented the unit with many unique challenges never before encountered. The watchteams had to overcome many technical and operational difficulties to protect high value assets in port and at anchor from such diverse threats as attacks by jet-skis, small craft and combat swimmers. MIUWU 105 used the MSP thermal imaging system/video imaging system (TIS/VIS), sonobouys, input from the ships radar, unmanned air vehicle (UAV) imagery and numerous lookouts to provide surveillance of the anchorage and piers where high value assets were located. Operating as the Harbor Defense Commander for the exercise, MIUWU 105 was directly responsible for coordinating, planning and directing operations for Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311, US Coast Guard Cutter LONG ISLAND and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11.
Additionally, the unit assisted in tactical control of air assets (P-3C, F-14 TARPS and UAV's) and directed aircraft to intercept contacts of interest. The operational flexibility, initiative and "can do" attitude of MIUWU 105 personnel proved to be keys in making the concept of a mobile Naval Force Protection system viable. VADM McGinn, COMTHIRDFLT, stated that "the ingenuity, innovation, and adaptability demonstrated by MIUWU 105 using previously unavailable sensors, and demonstrating new command and control procedures, was truly impressive." After the conclusion of the Fleet Battle Experiment, several members of the unit stayed behind in Alameda, CA to participate in the Sea Expo, a public display of ships, weapons systems and new technology tested during the exercise. With the RSSC-SU van and MSP on static display, the MIUW sailors had the opportunity to meet with thousands of civilians who attended the Expo, and to demonstrate the capabilities of the Inshore Undersea Warfare community.
On return from San Francisco, MIUWU 105 turned to preparations for the upcoming Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE). Various equipment casualties made the short lead time for the evaluation seem that much shorter. Unit personnel worked diligently to repair equipment, train and ensure that all administrative requirements were met prior to the ORE. Shortly before the scheduled date of the ORE, MIUWU 105 was tasked to ship the RSSC-SU van, PSP and MSP to Korea, thereby further complicating preparations. The Operational Readiness Evaluation was conducted during the July drill weekend, when MIUWU 105 deployed to an operating site on the Coast Guard Station at Terminal Island, CA. The unit satisfactorily passed the Operational Readiness Evaluation by demonstrating the ability to deploy and perform the assigned mission. The evaluators praised the superior planning effort made by the unit, and noted that MIUWU 105 was the first MIUWU unit to demonstrate an Integrated Training Team. Upon successful completion of the ORE, MIUWU 105 was certified to be fully operational and deployable.
A small detachment of reserve and active duty personnel traveled to Pusan, Republic of Korea in July to facilitate the pre-positioning of the RSSC-SU van, PSP and MSP, as MIUWU 105 relieved MIUWU 104 as the Naval Coastal Warfare Group One forward deployed IUW asset in Korea. Close cooperation between the two units ensured a smooth turnover and enabled MIUWU 105 to maintain a continuity of operational capability available to Commander Naval Forces, Korea (CNFK). The RSSC-SU van was operationally tested prior to being placed in storage, and all vehicles and equipment to be transferred to MIUWU 105 were inventoried and inspected.
October saw the beginning of yet another deployment for MIUWU 105, with 48 members traveling to Chin Hae, Republic of Korea to participate in Exercise Foal Eagle'99. MIUWU 105 provided mission critical support of Combined Harbor Defense Command (CDHC) during the exercise, conducting surveillance and force protection of Chin Hae harbor and approach. The unit worked in close cooperation with Harbor Defense Command Unit 111, Port Security Unit 311, MIUWU 212, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 7 and ROK Navy assets to protect high value assets in and around the ROK Navy base at Chin Hae. Additionally, MIUWU 105 provided exercise support through intelligence briefings, data collection and post exercise briefings. There were many obstacles encountered during the course of the exercise; operating locations had to be changed, communications difficulties, equipment failures and adverse weather, all of which were overcome through the flexibility and determination of the MIUWU 105 members. There were many lessons learned during participation in Foal Eagle'99; MIUWU 105 identified weaknesses that need to be addressed, strengths that can be built upon and has developed a strong base of operational knowledge that can be drawn upon for all future deployments to Korea.
MIUWU 105 closed out the year with preparations for future exercises and regularly scheduled maintenance detachments to Korea.
In mid-January 2000 MIUWU 105 sent a Maintenance Detachment to Pusan, Republic of Korea to correct CASREPS and perform PMS on forward-deployed equipment.
MIUWU 105 deployed to MCB Camp Pendleton in late January 2000 for annual small arms qualification. All members qualified with the M-16 rifle and the 9mm.pistol. Scores as follows: M-16 ribbons issued: 22 marksman, 7 sharpshooter 9mm ribbons issued: 12 marksman, 6 sharpshooter, 19 expert.
In early February 2000 MIUWU 105 Active Duty Component (ADC) and Reserve personnel deployed to Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, CA to support recovery efforts for the crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. MIUWU 105 provided watch section augmentation for the Reserve Mobile Ashore Support Terminal (R-MAST) set up by Naval Coastal Warfare Group ONE and Harbor Defense Command Unit 110.
The unit performed maintenance and administrative tasks in mid-Feb 2000. The Maintenance Detachment personnel worked on CASREPS/CASCORS and the After Action Report. Supply Department satisfactorily completed NCWG-1 supply inspection.
In early March 2000 an eight-man detachment from the Operations Department deployed to San Jose, CA for field operations with MIUWU 104. The Det augmented MIUWU 104 with a complete RSSC-SU watch section for operations at Pilar Point AFS, Half Moon Bay, CA.
In mid-March 2000 MIUWU 105 personnel conducted small arms/security team, CMS user and PQS training. Preparations began for the next Maintenance Det to Korea.
In mid-April 2000 a ten-man detachment from the Operations Department deployed to Alameda, CA for operations with MIUWU 103. The Det augmented MIUWU 103 with a complete RSSC-SU watch section for operations at Alameda, CA. The Security Action Team traveled to Camp Pendleton with Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311 for urban combat training at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) combat simulator. The unit conducted the semi-annual physical readiness test and worked on PQS training, maintenance and administrative matters. The CO and XO attended a Naval Coastal Warfare conference at Group ONE. Continued preps for May Maintenance Det to Pusan, ROK, and began preparations for co-locating IBU-16 with MIUWU 105.
In early May 2000 the unit deployed to Yellow Beach, NAB Coronado, CA for field training exercise and CART I inspection. Upon successful completion of the CART I inspection, the unit returned to Long Beach to continue with preparations for Foal Eagle'00 and the May Maintenance Det to Pusan, ROK.
In mid-May 2000 MIUWU 105 deployed a Maintenance Detachment to perform maintenance and repairs of RSSC/SU equipment pre-deployed in Pusan, Republic of Korea. Six personnel from MIUWU 105 and two from MIUWU 204 were assisted by technicians from SPAWAR/SAIC in performing maintenance and installing equipment modifications. Both units received upgraded gensets and TIS/VIS sensors for the Mobile Sensor Platforms (MSP).
In late June 2000 the unit conducted field ops @NAS North Island where the unit continued to sharpen their camp security and communication skills.
In July 2000 the unit conducted field ops @NAS North Island. The operations department performed communication exercises from the van.
In late August 2000 MIUWU 105 deployed a Maintenance Detachment to perform maintenance and repairs of RSSC/SU equipment pre-deployed in Pusan, Republic of Korea. CESE inspection and a EKMS inspection was held with the unit receiving high marks in both areas , MIUWU 105 sent 3 personnel to the Sea Hawk Exercise at Puget Sound Washington where they worked extensively with the sonar unit. Foal Eagle preparation.
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