In the Navy:The Role of Advanced Sea Mines in Future Conflicts
When it comes to war, the old adage that the best defense is a good offense rings true. Nowhere is this more the case than naval warfare, where initiative can make the difference between victory and defeat. As an integral part of naval warfare, mine warfare – both mine countermeasures and mine laying, or “offensive” mine warfare - will continue to influence naval operations. Yet the latter of these sub disciplines - the “other” mine warfare, as Admiral James Winnefeld, Jr. calls it - has often been missing from mine warfare discussions.
Photo of the Day: U.S. Navy Minehunter
Mine countermeasure ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) departs White Beach Naval Facility to join up with USS Chief (MCM 14) as they prepare to conduct squadron level mine countermeasure training which includes mine hunting and mine sweeping. Patriot and Chief are assigned to Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7 forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. David Levy/Released)
U.S., Korea Conclude Exercise Clear Horizon
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 1, and Mine Countermeasure Squadron (MCMRON) 7, completed the bilateral mine countermeasures exercise Clear Horizon with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, Nov. 13. Exercise Clear Horizon is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and ROK navies that focus on increasing capabilities and coordination between ships, and aircraft in mine countermeasures in international waters surrounding the Korean peninsula. "This exercise is a testament to the strong partnership between the U.S. and our ROK partners," said Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, the commander of Naval Forces Korea. Approximately 330 U.S.
US & ROK Navies to Participate in Exercise Clear Horizon
The U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) navies will participate in Exercise Clear Horizon, October 20-24, in waters south of the Korean peninsula. Clear Horizon is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and ROK navies designed to enhance cooperation and improve capabilities in mine countermeasure operations. "We achieve mine countermeasure proficiency by rehearsing scenarios at sea and developing key mine warfare skill sets," said Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. Approximately 330 U.S. Navy personnel assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, the mine countermeasure ships USS Warrior (MCM 10) and USS Chief (MCM 14)…
Today in U.S. Naval History: February 27
Today in U.S. Naval History - February 27 1942 - Battle of the Java Sea, Allied Naval Force attacks Japanese invasion convoy 1973 - First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield took place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.
British Minehunters Set Sail for Persian Gulf
The two ships will join the UK task force based in the Gulf. Sandown Class HMS Shoreham left her home port of HM Naval Base Clyde, while Hunt Class HMS Atherstone left her home of Portsmouth. En route the two ships will operate together in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, giving support to a multinational task force providing security in the troubled waters. Sailing HMS Shoreham is the Faslane-based First Mine Countermeasures Squadron's Crew 4; 38 sailors who will see the vessel safely to her destination during the two-month voyage.
This Day in Naval History – Feb. 27
1942 - Battle of the Java Sea, Allied Naval Force attacks Japanese invasion convoy 1973 - First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield took place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans. (Source: Navy News Service)
This Day in Naval History - Feb. 24
From the Navy News Service 1813 - USS Hornet, under command of Capt. James Lawrence, captures HMS Peacock. 1942 - Japanese occupation forces are attacked by planes from carrier USS Enterprise (CV 6) task force under Vice Adm. W.F. Halsey. 1973 - In accordance with the Paris Accords, Navy Task Force 78, composed of four ocean minesweepers plus Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 12, begins sweeping the North Vietnamese waters of the mines laid in 1972. 1991 - Forces from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Syria and Kuwait proceed with major ground, air and naval offensive to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.
