Mine-hunting over GoM

The Norfolk, Va.-based Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 conducted its annual airborne mine countermeasures (AMC) training at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Fla., and over the Gulf of Mexico, for nearly two weeks this month. HM-15’s annual Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program training is conducted at Panama City in order for the squadron to receive technical support for equipment and MH-53E aircraft used in mine-hunting. HM-15 was also at NSWC Panama City to focus on a combination of scenarios involving the mine counter-measures triad of AMCM, surface and underwater mine- countermeasures. The training was developed to simulate a real-world scenario that included two explosive ordnance units, and the San Diego-based mine sweeper, USS Champion (MCM 4). (Source: Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City 10/18/16)