The U.S. Navy embarked the primary Mine Countermeasures Mission Package (MCM MP) aboard USS Canberra (LCS 30), April 18, service officers introduced. With the MCM mission package deal now onboard LCS 30, the Navy anticipates the primary MCM Mission Package deployment in Fiscal Year 2025.
As a part of the embark course of, the Navy put in sensors, unmanned autos, help containers and the software program that permits Sailors to execute MCM operations from an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship. The embarkation marks the formal turnover of the MCM mission package deal to the ship, signifying the crew is able to begin onboard coaching and upkeep of the mission package deal in preparation for its first deployment.
“Today, the LCS Mission Modules program delivers to the Fleet a modernized and integrated MCM mission package that removes Sailors from the minefield and allows for the future retirement of legacy MCM ships,” stated Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program supervisor of the LCS Mission Modules (PMS 420) program workplace.
An built-in suite of unmanned maritime programs and sensors, the MCM mission package deal locates, identifies, and destroys mines within the littorals whereas rising the ship’s standoff distance from the menace space. Embarked with the MCM mission package deal, an LCS or a vessel of alternative can conduct the complete spectrum of detect-to-engage operations (hunt, neutralize and sweep) in opposition to mine threats utilizing sensors and weapons deployed from the MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), an MH-60S multi-mission helicopter and related help tools.
The MCM mission package deal achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on March 31, 2023, following rigorous preliminary operational testing and analysis (IOT&E) of the complete mission package deal, together with the AN/AQS-20 system, through the fall of 2022 aboard USS Cincinnati (LCS 20). With the deployment of the primary MCM mission packages in Fiscal Year 2025, the Navy will begin the method of divesting from getting older MH-53 helicopters and Avenger Class MCM ships.
PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants leads the Navy’s efforts to supply littoral fight ships with mission-tailored functionality to Combatant Commanders to supply assured entry in opposition to littoral threats, leveraging unmanned naval capabilities for enhanced operational effectiveness.
