USS Saipan, HM-15 Mark Historical Exercise

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Justin Thomas | USS SAIPAN (Nov. 7, 2006) - HM-53E Sea Dragon helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15 demonstrate the mine sweeping capabilities of the Navy's MK-105 Magnetic Influence System, better known as the "sled," during a mine countermeasure training event in the Arabian Gulf in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin K. Thomas.  

ABOARD USS SAIPAN, AT SEA

09.19.2006

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Sean Spratt
U.S. Navcent, 5th Fleet PAO

USS SAIPAN, At Sea -- The amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2) along with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15) "Blackhawks" successfully conducted a mine countermeasure exercise in the Arabian Gulf Sept. 19.

The exercise was the first time a LHA-class ship participated in minesweeping operations with a MH-53E helicopter and a MK-105 magnetic mine sweeping system, also known as the "sled." The sled is a high-speed catamaran hydrofoil platform, which is towed by the Blackhawk's helicopter.

"The sled is used to sweep for magnetic influenced mines," said Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class (SW) Jaime Rodriguez, sled launch director. "A generator produces an electrical current which is passed through two electrodes on a cable. The cable streams from the towed sled and creates an electromagnetic field, which tricks mines into thinking it is a ship."

Mine countermeasure capabilities are an important asset to regional waters because of the ability to protect ships and their crews from seemingly invisible threats in the water.

"This mission is extremely important to show the [Arabian] Gulf countries that we have the capability of being able to mine sweep and clear sea lanes for ships to transit," said Aviation Electronics Technician Chief (AW) Michael Cullen, HM-15 maintenance control chief. "It was also important to demonstrate to [our regional partners] that we can deploy with a 72 hour notice and be able to use a variety of different platforms in accomplishing mine sweeping countermeasures."

"It is wonderful to experience and see what this ship and her crew can really accomplish when called upon," said Capt. Richard Fitzpatrick, commanding officer of USS Saipan. "It is amazing how well the crew and embarked units worked together to successfully operate this capability."

Saipan and HM-15 left their homeport of Norfolk, Va., Aug. 15, and began a surge deployment to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

Saipan is currently conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Arabian Gulf. Maritime Security Operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

• Date Taken: 09.19.2006
• Date Posted: 09.20.2006 14:51
• Story ID: 7787
• Location: ABOARD USS SAIPAN, AT SEA