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Mine Warfare's Capability Highlighted During Surface Navy Association's Visit to Dextrous

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081118-02
Release Date: 11/18/2008 5:02:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Members of the Surface Navy Association (SNA) Arabian Gulf Chapter visited USS Dextrous (MCM 13) Oct. 27 to learn more about the Navy's ability to hunt and sweep mines, a core element of the Navy's mine warfare (MIW) program.

"The coalition minesweepers that patrol the waters of the Arabian Gulf allow us to help preserve the sea lines of communication and provide a defensive capability for naval ships as well as commercial shipping," said Dextrous' Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Stefanik. "The technology used by our mine countermeasure ships represents the best mine hunting and minesweeping capability available today. We need to continue to invest in MIW technology to ensure we're able to effectively contribute to maritime security."

While aboard Dextrous, SNA Members received a briefing about the ship's mine hunting, sweeping and neutralization capability in the ship's combat information center.

Following the brief, SNA members and staff from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received a guided tour of the ship and talked to Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15. They viewed a static display of equipment and systems that belong to the undersea and air components of the MIW triad.

Dextrous is one of four MCMs permanently forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations to conduct mine warfare operations as part of Destroyer Squadron 50 and Mine Countermeasures Division 31 in the Middle East.

"Having the mine countermeasure ships forward-deployed to Bahrain gives us an opportunity to train with not only our British counterparts, but also the assets of HM-15 and the EOD community as well," said Stefanik. "This allows us to remain prepared for any contingency we may face."

After the visit to Dextrous, SNA members including commander, Destroyer Squadron 50 and officers from various commands in Bahrain, attended an informal social function at Naval Support Activity Bahrain Officers' club, hosted by Chief of Operations, U.S. 5th Fleet, Capt. Rick Williams. The event provided an opportunity to build upon an already growing SNA membership and encourage open dialogue and professional development between surface warfare officers operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet are focused on developing security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.