USS Avenger
5/20/2011 
The mine neutralization vehicle aboard USS Avenger (MCM 1) is lowered into the water during a mine countermeasures evolution 

STRAIT OF MALACCA (May 20, 2011) — The mine neutralization vehicle aboard USS Avenger (MCM 1) is lowered into the water during a mine countermeasures evolution.  The mine neutralization vehicle is an unmanned underwater vehicle capable of conducting mine countermeasure operations with minimal risk to human life. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian A. Stone)
USS Avenger Practices Mine Sweeping in Malacca Strait 
Story by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Brian A. Stone 
STRAIT OF MALACCA - USS Avenger (MCM 1) Sailors practiced mine countermeasure operations in the Strait of Malacca in an evolution designed to prepare them for real-life contingencies.

Avenger Sailors used sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) technology, a SLQ-48 mine neutralization vehicle and a host of other mine countermeasure equipment to train for a possible contingency where the Strait of Malacca would need to be cleared of mines or underwater improvised explosive devices (IED).

The Strait of Malacca is approximately 3 kilometers wide at it's narrowest point between Singapore and southern Sumatra, which Mineman 2nd Class Dana Baynard said makes the strait vulnerable to mining and underwater improvised explosive devices. The U.S. 7th Fleet, whose area of responsibility covers the Strait of Malacca, has doubled its mine countermeasure capability in the last 2 years.

"A lot of ships transit this area and in a real-life scenario, it would be vital for us to be able to assure their safe passage," said Mineman Seaman Daniel Duncan, one of the mine neutralization vehicle operators aboard Avenger. "I think we would be able to do actual mine clearance in the Strait of Malacca due to our aggressive training."

To effectively simulate the SONAR signature of a mine, Avenger Sailors lowered a mine shape into the water from a rigid hull inflatable boat. The team in the combat information center was then responsible for locating and disarming the simulated mine.

Throughout the evolution, Avenger Sailors made safety and risk mitigation a high priority. Safety officers were on-scene to ensure that proper personal protective equipment was being used and crew members were following correct procedures.

"The team that was conducting operations is very well disciplined and they're not satisfied until the job is done well," said Ensign Garth Thomas, a safety officer aboard Avenger. "I'm very proud of their work today."

Avenger is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Patrick L. German and is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
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