U.S. Unveils Anti-Mine Operation Near Gulf

Spanish, French and British ships participate in a joint mine counter-measure exercise in 2011. (Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Stumberg / US Navy)

 

WASHINGTON — The United States and about 20 other nations will hold a major anti-mine operation near the Gulf in September, the Pentagon said July 17, after Iran threatened it could block oil shipments.

The maneuvers, including a symposium on mine countermeasures, will be held between Sept. 16 to 27, Pentagon spokesman George Little said.
“It’s a defensive exercise aimed at preserving freedom of navigation in international waterways in the Middle East,” Little said.
The U.S. has deployed the floating base ship Ponce to serve as logistical backup in the anti-mine effort.
It has doubled to eight the number of minesweepers in the Gulf and sent in four MH-53 Sea Stallion anti-mine choppers as well as underwater drones.
“This is not an exercise that’s aimed to deliver a message to Iran,” Little said. “This is an exercise that’s designed to, within this multinational forum, increase our capabilities and cooperation.”
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