From U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs
USS Warrior (MCM 10) file photo. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Frank L. Andrews) >>
CHINHAE, Republic of Korea - The U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) navies began mine countermeasures training March 19 during exercise Foal Eagle 2017.
The combined training, scheduled to run through March 29, is designed to increase readiness and interoperability in mine countermeasures operations and enhance the theater security cooperation between the two navies.
“Mine warfare is a very real and incredibly serious threat that requires extensive training to be ready to counter if called upon,” said Lt. Cmdr. Bill Carroll, commanding officer of the mine countermeasure ship USS Warrior (MCM 10). “My crew and I are looking forward to this exercise, so we can train as one integrated MCM force and further hone our tactical and technical skills so that we are ready when called upon to execute real world operations.
During the exercise, U.S. and ROK Sailors, including explosive ordnance disposal divers, will work together to practice clearing shipping routes and to conduct training surveys.
Foal Eagle is a series of joint and combined field training exercises, conducted by the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea component commands, which enhances the combat readiness, flexibility, and capabilities of the ROK and U.S. alliance.
MCMRON 7, commanded by Capt. James Miller, is a combined readiness and tactical staff responsible for mine countermeasures in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The squadron consists of four Avenger-class minesweepers forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and a helicopter mine countermeasures detachment in Pohang, ROK.