The MCMs hull is constructed of a laminated wood structure with composite glass exterior sheeting to prevent the ship from setting off anti-magnetic mines. The primary mission of a Mine Countermeasures Ship is to locate
and neutralize underwater mines. These mines range from the
classic moored mines of World War II, to the ultra sophisticated
bottom influence mines of today. (MCM)s are able to locate these
threats using the AN/SQQ-30 mine-hunting sonar built by General
Electric of Syracuse, New York. Once the target has been
classified as "mine-like" the AN/SLQ-48 Mine
Neutralization System (MNS) Vehicle is deployed to identify and
destroy bottom mines, or cut the cable of a moored mine. The MNS
Vehicle is remotely piloted and is controlled by an operator
located in the ship's Combat Information Center (CIC). The ship
is also capable of sweeping mines using a variety of acoustic,
magnetic, or mechanical sweep configurations. This equipment is
towed behind the ship and destroys mines by simulating the noise
and magnetic signatures of steel hulled ships.
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