U.S. and Canadian Navies Conduct Mechanical Mine-cut Exercise

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Bryan Jackson | 160720-N-DJ750-078 SAN DIEGO (July 20, 2016)-- The Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s Commander, Task Unit 177.2.1 Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians dive to search for simulated explosives near the Military Sealift Command large, medium-speed roll on/roll off ship USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR-300) during the Southern California portion of Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Jackson/Released)  

UNITED STATES

07.21.2016

Courtesy Story

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) – U.S. and Canadian Naval Forces conducted a mechanical mine-cut exercise, commonly known as “Pouncer” operations, as part of the Southern California portion of the multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific, July 21.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11, and Royal Canadian Navy Clearance Divers from Fleet Diving Unit Pacific and Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic participated in the exercise.

During the exercise, HM-14 launched two MH-53E Sea Dragons and streamed a MK-103 mechanical minesweeping system. After cutting the inert training mine-cases, the MH-53E Sea Dragons deployed divers to secure the devices. EODMU 11 provided safety observers and small boat assets to assist with spotting and recovering of divers and equipment. The exercise concluded with U.S. and Canadian divers conducting casting training aboard the aircraft.

“This successful operation not only helps us attain new training milestones, but also forges new ties among units in our warfare area during RIMPAC 2016,” said Cmdr. Derek Brady, commanding officer of HM-14. “All the members of HM-14 Vanguard can be proud of the work put in to make this event possible.”

The Canadian Navy participants included 11 divers; nine from Fleet Diving Unit Pacific and two from Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic.

"Working with the divers from EODMU 11 and other members of the U.S. Navy has provided invaluable training for us," said Royal Canadian Navy Clearance Diver Lt. Brad Spencer, Mine Countermeasures Officer, Fleet Diving Unit Pacific. These realistic training scenarios allow us to enhance our skills and gain experience which we will use in future exercises and operations around the world."

The Southern California portion of RIMPAC allows U.S. and partner nations to train together with sea and shore based commands. Participants receive relevant and realistic training in amphibious operations, explosive ordnance disposal, mine warfare countermeasures, and dive operations.

Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

For more information on RIMPAC 2016, visit www.dvidshub.net/feature/RIMPAC

For more information on U.S. Third Fleet, visit www.c3f.navy.mil

For more information on U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil

• Date Taken: 07.21.2016
• Date Posted: 07.27.2016 13:50
• Story ID: 205220
• Location: US