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ROKN, USN MIW Staffs Foster Cooperation, Ink Agreement

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081108-02
Release Date: 11/8/2008 6:09:00 AM

By Ed Mickley, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Republic of Korea (ROK) Naval Mine Warfare (MIW) experts met with their U.S. counterparts for the 27th U.S. Navy – ROK Navy MIW Staff Talks held at the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command Headquarters aboard Point Loma Annex Oct. 27-30.

Rear Adm. Kum Chul Bhang, Commander, ROK Special Warfare Flotilla and Capt. Young Seob Son, Commander ROK MIW Squadron met with Capt. Jeffrey W. Connor, Commander, U.S. Mine Countermeasures Squadron 1 and key members of U.S. MIW management teams to increase cooperation between the two MIW staffs and enhance ROK Navy MIW operations.

Hosting the briefings and working groups, MCMRON 1 responsibilities encompass the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility which includes the Korean Peninsula.

"These talks are important," said Connor. "They provide a venue for senior MIW leadership of both navies to develop personal relationships critical for effective communication, cooperation and coordination during crisis or war."

After he and Connor signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the two staffs, Rear Adm. Bhang noted that cooperation and friendship is critical and learning what the U.S. is willing to provide is important to the Republic of Korea.

The Korean delegation reviewed information on advancements in Mine Warfare and new technology along with touring the local Explosive Ordinance Detachment and Marine Mammal facilities.

Covering defensive mining capacity, an important consideration for this coastal country, Lt. Cmdr. Andrew J. Ashton, Chief Staff officer for Commander Mobile Mine Assembly Group said it is important to identify key areas of concern.

The Program Executive Office for Littoral and Mine Warfare briefed the progress being made through new hardware or software initiatives and equipment upgrades.

"Our technology is a force multiplier," Connor said. "We have some capabilities that the ROKs do not such as Airborne Mine Countermeasures. The challenge is to get our capabilities to the battlespace in a timely fashion."

Other new technologies for mine warfare detection and neutralization were briefed. Several designed for the new MH 60S Seahawk helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky, are in various stages of testing, evaluation and production.

Organic components including the Rapid Airborne Mine Warfare Clearance System and the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System are mounted on the MH-60S via a carriage assembly while others employ a towed-body carrier stream tow and recovery system.

"Our MIW technology fits nicely into the overall order of battle for the Korean battlespace," said Ashton. "Newer technologies that are currently under development only serve to strengthen that fit."

After enjoying a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) ride from NMAWC headquarters to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 pier, the delegation was introduced to new underwater breathing apparatus and methods for neutralizing mines or improvised explosive devices.

After a brief RHIB ride to the Marine Mammal Facility, EODMU 1 demonstrated how they train marine mammals to engage and locate underwater explosives so EOD dive teams can neutralize and dispose of them.

Another program that is used by EOD technicians is Unmanned Underwater Vehicles that are remotely or autonomously operated. These vehicles patrol areas using side-scan sonar to image and detect changes on the sea bottom of routes be used for shipping. If they detect any suspicious contacts, they are analyzed and if necessary, neutralized.

For more news from Commander, Naval Mine & Anti-Submarine Warfare Command , visit www.navy.mil/local/cmwc/.