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USS Avenger Practices Mine Sweeping in the Strait of Malacca

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110520-19
5/20/2011

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian A. Stone, USS Avenger Public Affairs

STRAIT OF MALACCA (NNS) -- Mine countermeasures ship USS Avenger (MCM 1) Sailors practiced mine countermeasure operations in the Strait of Malacca May 20, in an evolution designed to prepare the crew for real-life contingencies.

Avenger's Sailors used sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) technology, a SLQ-48 mine neutralization vehicle and a host of other mine countermeasure equipment to train for a possible contingency where the Strait of Malacca would need to be cleared of mines or underwater improvised explosive devices (IED).

Mineman 2nd Class Dana Baynard said the Strait of Malacca is approximately 3 kilometers wide at its narrowest point between Singapore and southern Sumatra, which makes the strait vulnerable to mining and underwater improvised explosive devices.

"A lot of ships transit this area, and in a real-life scenario it would be vital for us to be able to assure their safe passage," said Mineman Seaman Daniel Duncan, USS Avenger mine neutralization vehicle operator. "I think we would be able to do actual mine clearance in the Strait of Malacca due to our aggressive training."

To effectively simulate the SONAR signature of a mine, Sailors lowered a mine shape into the water from a rigid hull inflatable boat. A team in the combat information center was then responsible for locating and disarming the simulated mine.

Throughout the evolution, the crew made safety and risk mitigation a high priority. Safety officers were on location to ensure proper personal protective equipment was being used and crew members were following correct procedures.

"The team that was conducting operations is very well disciplined, and they're not satisfied until the job is done well," said Ensign Garth Thomas, a safety officer aboard Avenger. "I'm very proud of their work today."

In the past two years, U.S. 7th Fleet has doubled its mine countermeasure capability in areas like the Strait of Malacca.

Avenger is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Patrick L. German and is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.