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Naval Reserve Force Ship Returns from Mediterranean Deployment

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030619-01

Release Date: 6/19/2003 6:40:00 AM

From Naval Station Ingleside Public Affairs

INGLESIDE, Texas (NNS) -- Mine Readiness Group 3 returned to Naval Station Ingleside June 13 following a successful Mediterranean deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The readiness group includes Naval Reserve Force ship USS Sentry (MCM 3), as well as USS Devastator (MCM 6), USS Chief (MCM 14) and USS Scout (MCM 8) and their 332 personnel.

Sentry, Devastator, Chief and Scout received short notice to deploy in December to support the Global War on Terrorism. After hurried preparations, the group departed Ingleside on Jan. 13. Their primary mission was to provide a mine warfare presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of forces through the Suez Canal and to serve as a surge force if significant mining was encountered.

Upon arrival in theater, the four ships joined USS Cleveland (LPD 7), which had embarked personnel from three Explosive Ordnance Disposal detachments, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 2 and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15.

They then conducted several weeks of detailed Route Survey operations, surveillance and training in the vicinity of the Suez Canal, providing invaluable operational experience and continuing to define the future role of mine warfare forces.

Sentry and Devastator arrived in the vicinity of the northern approach to the Suez Canal first and were in place when hostilities broke out in Iraq. Scout and Chief joined them shortly thereafter.

"The crew of these ships came together as a force," said Capt. George Croy, commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 2. "Their mutual support of each other was the key to their very successful deployment."

Sentry, Devastator, Chief and Scout are Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships designed as mine hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying and destroying moored and bottom mines.