SURFACE WARFARE FALL 2020
Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Wilson
Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Leads Mine Countermeasure Exercise During Trident Warrior Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) led multiple units through a Mine Countermeasure Exercise (MCMEX) to test tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) during Trident Warrior 2020, July 13 through 16. Trident Warrior is an annual large-scale, at-sea field experiment where the Navy selects potential initiatives that address capability gaps and provide inventive solutions in an operational environment. "This mine warfare exercise provided Story by a realistic and relevant training Naval Surface and opportunity to collaborate with joint Mine Warfighting forces, as well as with industry, to Development Center practice the TTPs necessary to safely conduct full spectrum mine operations," said Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. "This particular exercise allowed our personnel to gain reps and sets in their mine countermeasure and neutralization skills, and ultimately increase Fleet lethality and confidence."
Robertson, as the Global Mine Warfare Commander, facilitated the advanced-level training in this exercise to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability of mine warfare countermeasure capabilities in Third Fleet. "It is always a great opportunity to plan and execute an exercise that will ultimately pay dividends for mine warfare, both in how we train, and how we will employ our tactics and techniques in a real world situation in the future," said Capt. Chris Merwin, director of SMWDC's Mine Warfare (MIW) division. "During this unprecedented time, it was a privilege to witness all participants coming together for this event to hone and refine their skills while deploying inert mines and conducting countermeasures and neutralization." Units included in the training were SMWDC, USS Manchester (LCS 14), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 (EODMU 3), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21), Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86), and the United States Air Force's 23rd Bomb Squadron and 34th Bomb Squadron. The MCMEX training provided vital tactical training and proficiency to the operational fleet, in order to ensure that units remain lethal and ready. SMWDC is a subordinate command of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. SMWDC headquarters is located onboard Naval Base San Diego and has four divisions located in Virginia and California focused on MIW, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Anti-Submarine Warfare/Surface Warfare, and Amphibious Warfare. *
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