US, UK conduct SQUADEX-16
The British Royal Navy and US Navy have conducted the quarterly SQUADEX-16 mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise in the Arabian Gulf, the US Navy announced on 8 August.
US vessels participating in the exercise included mine countermeasures ships USS Gladiator (MCM 11) and USS Sentry (MCM 3); while from the British fleet landing ship dock RFA Lyme Bay (L3007) and Sandown-class minehunters HMS Bangor (M109) and HMS Penzance (M106) took part.
The exercise saw MCM vessels set mine shapes in areas to test the efficiency of US and UK assets in mine detection. Five different sonar from the surface platforms were used, along with drivers and aircraft. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and explosive ordnance disposal divers were used to assist in clearing areas.
The exercise allowed the contribution that the operator, environment and equipment have on MCM operational capabilities to be identified.
Exercises were carried out in challenging environmental conditions including high sea temperatures and variable depths.
Cmdr David Morgan, commander of UK MCM Force, said: ‘SQUADEX is a quarterly exercise that provides an opportunity for UK and US assets to further develop and test their minehunting capabilities.
‘A robust mine countermeasures capability in the [Arabian] Gulf is vital to ensuring that sea lanes remain open and free, to safeguard freedom of navigation and legitimate trade.’
More from Training
-
![Norway to explore options for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots]()
Norway to explore options for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots
Norway's Defence Minister has said the country is supportive of efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jet.
-
![Exosonic begins trials of UAS testbed for supersonic aerial target programme]()
Exosonic begins trials of UAS testbed for supersonic aerial target programme
Exosonic has commenced trials of its EX-3M Trident UAV, a quarter-scale testbed for the EX-3 Revenant supersonic aerial target drone it is developing for the US Air Force.
-
![Sweden green-lights Gripen training for Ukraine, no jets offered]()
Sweden green-lights Gripen training for Ukraine, no jets offered
Sweden and Ukraine still need to agree on formal details before training on the Swedish combat aircraft can begin, but Stockholm said the planned move does not mean Gripens will be given to Ukraine.
-
![Pentagon sees Ukrainian F-16s as 'long-term' solution, emphasises training needs]()
Pentagon sees Ukrainian F-16s as 'long-term' solution, emphasises training needs
The US has affirmed its intention to support training of Ukrainian crews to operate the F-16 fighter jet following last week's decision to allow transfer of the aircraft.
