U.S. Navy Deploys First Mine Countermeasure USV Embarked On USS Canberra

The U.S. Navy reportedly embarked on the first Mine Countermeasures Mission Package (abbreviated as MCM MP) on the USS Canberra on 18 April.

The MCM MP is currently on LCS 30, and the Navy is excited about the first deployment of the MCM Mission Package in FY 2025.

As part of the embarking process, the Navy installed unmanned vehicles, sensors, support containers, and software that helps Sailors execute MCM operations via an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship.

The embarkation commemorates the turnover of the MCM mission package to the vessel, symbolizing that the crew members are prepared to commence onboard maintenance and training for the mission package’s first-ever deployment.

Capt. Matthew Lehmann, the program manager of the LCS Mission Modules program office, stated that the LCS Mission Modules delivers to the Fleet an integrated and modernized MCM mission package that removes the sailors from the minefield and permits the future retirement of legacy MCM vessels.

The MCM mission package is an integrated suite comprising sensors and unmanned maritime systems.

It identifies, locates, and destroys mines in the littorals while boosting the vessel’s standoff distance from the threat region.

Embarked on the MCM MP, an LCS or a vessel of opportunity may be able to conduct the entire range of detect-to-engage activities (neutralize, hunt, and sweep) against the mine threats using weapons and sensors deployed via the MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle, a multi-mission MH-60S helicopter besides other related equipment.

The MCM MP secured Initial Operational Capability on 31 March last year, following the mission package’s initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E), including the AN/AQS-20 system, during the fall of 2022 on USS Cincinnati.

Deploying the first-ever MCM mission packages in FY 2025 will enable the Navy to commence divesting from ageing MH-53 helicopters and Avenger-class MCM vessels.

PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants head the Navy’s efforts to provide littoral combat vessels with the mission-tailored capability to Combatant Commanders to deliver assured access against the littoral threats, leveraging unmanned naval capabilities for further operational effectiveness.

Reference: NAVSEA

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