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USS Saipan, HM-15 Demonstrate Mine Sweeping Capability

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061107-21
Release Date: 11/7/2006 3:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Spratt, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS SAIPAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2), along with the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, successfully conducted a mine sweeping training event in the Persian Gulf Nov. 7.

HM-15 Blackhawk personnel flew HM-53E Sea Dragons that towed MK-105 Magnetic Influence Minesweeping Systems, better known as "sleds,” which are high-speed catamaran hydrofoil platforms.

“The ‘sled’ is a high speed sweep, so you’re looking at a faster and safer way to clear waterways vice using conventional ship sweeping,” said Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson, commander of Destroyer Squadron 50. “The ‘sled’ is good for sweeping magnetic and acoustic mines, giving more flexibility and speed to the mission.”

Throughout the years, mine sweeping countermeasure operations have proven to be an important asset to the Navy, because they provide the ability to protect ships and their crews from seemingly invisible threats in the water.

HM-15, along with the sleds, embarked aboard Saipan Nov. 3. The exercise marks the second time within two months that the unit has successfully demonstrated its mine sweeping capability in the Persian Gulf.

“From the Arabian [Persian] Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea, you see a coalition of forces operating together to protect ships and countries from terrorists,” said Harbeson, “thus keeping the world open to free commerce and trade on the high seas.”

Saipan is currently on deployment in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

Saipan left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Aug. 15, and began a surge deployment to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.