CTF 52 takes part in Mine Countermeasure Exercise with UK Royal Navy
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS151207-12
Release Date: 12/7/2015 11:06:00 AM
From Commander Task Force 52 public affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander Task Force (CTF) 52 successfully completed a 14-day US/UK Mine Countermeasure Exercise (MCMEX), Nov. 21.
For the exercise CTF 52 consisted of combined United States and United Kingdom units completing a large-scale mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise in the Central Arabian Gulf to improve interoperability and practice mine detection and neutralization. The exercise provided a valuable opportunity for CTF 52's MCM assets to increase proficiency in their core mission and support U.S. 5TH Fleet operational objectives.
Units conducted mine clearance on multiple ports in order to ensure safe passage for civilian vessels in the exercise scenario. The clearance was conducted with a combination of surface mine countermeasures vessels (SMCMV), explosive ordnance disposal mine countermeasures (EXMCM) personnel, airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) systems, and unmanned vehicles working in careful coordination.
MCM units were supported by USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15), an afloat forward support base (AFSB), and USNS Catawba (T ATF-168). The remainder of surface forces consisted of two Avenger Class, USS Gladiator (MCM 11), USS Devastator (MCM 6), one Royal Navy Hunt Class, HMS Chiddingfold (M 37), and two Royal Navy Sandown Class, HMS Penzance (M 106), and HMS Bangor (M 109).
Ponce acted as a platform for HM-15 DET TWO helicopters, EXMCM Company 2, and an unmanned mine hunting unit (MHU). EXMCM Company 2 is forward deployed to Bahrain and provides a full organic detect-to-engage capability for the MCM commander, being capable of finding and neutralizing mines.
EXMCM Company 2 worked in concert with US and UK MCM assets at sea in order to clear a simulated Mine Threat Area (MTA) off the coast of Bahrain. MHU is an unmanned unit which operates towed sonar in order to hunt for mines. Working in conjunction with unmanned systems, EXMCM Company 2 and MHU are introducing innovative approaches to MCM in 5TH Fleet.
HM-15 flew MH-53E 'Sea Dragon' helicopters, towing sonar and mechanical sweeping devices in the established MTA. The significant support HM-15 provided SMCM forces was invaluable in affording UK ships a unique opportunity to work in conjunction with AMCM.
USNS Catawba acted as a support platform for EXMCM Company 1 and Royal Navy Fleet Diving Unit (FDU) 3; these units also worked to clear the simulated MTA. FDU3 traveled from Europe for the exercise, participating in night dives and assisting with raising one ton of simulated explosives from the sea bed.
Executing shore based operations, EXMCM Company 1 simulated geographic separation from other CTF52 units.
While conducting operations, EXMCM Company 1 utilized 11-meter RHIBs, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), the SEABOTIX remote operated vehicle, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) divers. FDU-3 reacquired and identified assigned mine-like contacts, utilizing a combination of UUVs and EOD divers.
'The partnership we have with British MCM forces is vital to achieving the national objectives of both countries in the region,' said Capt. Eric Wirstrom, Commander Task Force 52,'Our forces already work very closely, and exercises like this allow units to practice and improve the way in which we operate together to assure the free flow of commerce in the region.'
CTF 52 plans and executes mine warfare operations in support of U.S. 5TH Fleet operational objectives. The command's efforts are critical to maintaining sea lines of communication, deterring and countering disruptive adversaries, and strengthening regional partner maritime capabilities to promote a secure maritime environment in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.
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