Still More IMCMEX 12 Unmanned Systems...

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As FIFTH Fleet's major mine countermeasures exercise continues, we learn "Task Group North" flagship USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) operating in the Persian Gulf isn't the only MCM mother ship. More than 1,000 miles to the South, USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is hosting Royal Navy MCM ops in the Gulf of Aden.  Another interesting observation is that the Amercians, British, Dutch, and Kiwis are all deploying variants of the Hydroid REMUS UUV. Whether intentional or not, this systems compatiblity will ensure coalition operations and logistics support during any future mine warfare contingency occur more smoothly.
GULF OF ADEN (September 19, 2012) -- British Royal Navy Diver Petty Officer Grahame Sheppard, left, and British Royal Navy Diver Chief Petty Officer Alan Knowles tests GPS for a REMUS 100 Sidescan SONAR, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), on the boat deck aboard amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). Gunston Hall is participating in the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012(IMCMEX 12). IMCMEX 12 includes navies from more than 30 countries focusing to promote regional security through mine countermeasures operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman/ RELEASED)
Navy, IMCMEX 12, International Mine Counter Measures Exercise, Royal New Zealand Navy Operational Dive Team in the Gulf, The Mine Countermeasures Team deploy AUV (REMUS).
GULF OF ADEN (September 20, 2012) -- British Royal Navy Marine Engineering Officer Grahame Sheppard, right, and British Royal Navy Diver Able Bodied J.J. Brown prepare to deploy a REMUS 100 Sidescan SONAR, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), into the Gulf of Aden during the International Mine Countermeasure Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12). IMCMEX 12 includes navies from more than 30 countries focusing to promote regional security through mine countermeasures operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman/ RELEASED)
ARABIAN GULF (September 22, 2012) -- Contractor carries ScanEagle UAV after recovery aboard USS Ponce (US Navy Photo)



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