Tag Archives: Airborne Laser Mine Detection System

OPNAV N95: Expeditionary Sea Bases Ideal Ships to Operate Mine Countermeasure Mission Packages

OPNAV N95: Expeditionary Sea Bases Ideal Ships to Operate Mine Countermeasure Mission Packages

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Capt. David Gray, the military detachment officer in charge of the Military Sealift Command expeditionary sea base USNS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams (ESB 4), gives guidance and direction to Sailors while leading a training evolution aboard one of the ship’s ridged-hull inflatable boats while the ship was at anchor in the Chesapeake Bay, Sept. 15, 2019. Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams is conducting mine countermeasures equipment testing. US Navy photo.

It’s growing more likely that components of the mine countermeasures mission package designed for the Littoral Combat Ship small combatant will end up also fielded on the Navy’s massive Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea bases, the director of expeditionary warfare (OPNAV N95) said this week. Read More →

The State of LCS: Navy Moving to Add Firepower, Capability to Both Classes

The State of LCS: Navy Moving to Add Firepower, Capability to Both Classes

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USS Detroit (LCS-7) receives regularly scheduled maintenance and upkeep during a scheduled dry-dock maintenance availability phase at BAE Systems shipyard in Jacksonville, Fla., March 29, 2019. US Navy Photo

This is the second of a two-part series on the current state of the Littoral Combat Ship program.

This post has been updated to note that the Mk 48 Mod II Gun Weapon Control System will upgrade the current 57mm gun on the LCS. 

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – With both variants of the Littoral Combat Ship in serial production at two yards and those ships now kicking off an enduring multi-ship overseas presence, the Navy is turning its focus to increasing the lethality and survivability of the hulls. Read More →

BALTOPS 19: Navy Tests New Mine Hunting Kit With European Allies

BALTOPS 19: Navy Tests New Mine Hunting Kit With European Allies

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A Mk 18 Mod 2 is submerged from the stern of FSG Kronsort during experimental Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations. Their experimentation objectives include collecting performance measurements in an operationally relevant environment for future improvements to systems. US Navy photo.

ABOARD USS MOUNT WHITNEY, IN THE BALTIC SEA – As the U.S. Navy undergoes a major transition in how it conducts mine warfare, it had the chance to test out its newest tools during BALTOPS 2019 alongside European partners who are mine warfare experts. Read More →

LCS Mission Package Office Focused On Test, Fielding; IOC Dates Continue to Slip

LCS Mission Package Office Focused On Test, Fielding; IOC Dates Continue to Slip

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The future littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) conducts acceptance trials, which are the last significant milestone before a ship is delivered to the Navy. US Navy photo.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Littoral Combat Ship mission package program office considers itself to be out of the technology development business and fully into testing and production, the program manager said last week. Read More →

Interview: As Unmanned Systems Take On Greater Role, PEO LCS Advancing Its Programs

Interview: As Unmanned Systems Take On Greater Role, PEO LCS Advancing Its Programs

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Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle. Textron photo.

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – The unmanned systems portfolio within the Program Executive Office for Littoral Combat Ship is maturing as the Navy’s future plans are increasingly emphasizing these vehicles, putting the PEO in an important position to shape how the service incorporates these emerging technologies into future operations, PEO LCS Rear Adm. John Neagley told USNI News. Read More →

Navy Finalizing Counter-Mine Package For LCS; Other Ships, Shore Operators May Also Use It

Navy Finalizing Counter-Mine Package For LCS; Other Ships, Shore Operators May Also Use It

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An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Laser Hawks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Detachment 2, equipped with the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) conducts flight operations in August 2014. US Navy photo.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Laser Hawks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Detachment 2, equipped with the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) conducts flight operations in August 2014. US Navy photo.

THE PENTAGON – A recently created Mine Warfare Governance Council is looking to finalize the composition of a first-increment mine countermeasures package that will not only go aboard Littoral Combat Ships but could also deploy on other ships of opportunity or be controlled by shore-based operators, the Navy’s director of expeditionary warfare (OPNAV N95) told USNI News. Read More →