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Sasebo, Japan Texas
Command History |
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- CNO established two new Mine
Countermeasures Divisions (MCMDIV), designated COMCMDIV ELEVEN and COMCMDIV THREE ONE,
homeported in Sasebo, Japan, and Manama, Bahrain, respectively, effective 01 October 2000.
- The mission of the new divisions is to
provide afloat staff oversight and ISIC responsibilities for the forward deployed MCM
ships stationed in Sasebo and Manama; to provide support and execute plans for exercises
and operations involving MCM forces in the respective AORs; to conduct intra-service
liaison with local naval commands for the support of MCM forces; and to provide
representation as the local expert for MCM concerns and issues.
- COMCMDIV ELEVEN, reports to Commander,
Mine Countermeasures Squadron ONE (COMCMRON ONE) in Ingleside, Texas. Thedivision is a
sea-shore code 4 duty (forward deployed sea duty), and is commanded by an 1110 Commander.
The current Commodore, Commander Barry Bakos assumed command in July 2006 from Commander
Kurt Hedberg. Commander Hedberg's predecessors were Commander Takaric (2002-2004) and
Commander Miller (2000-2002). The staff includes three 1110 junior officers, Chief Staff
Officer (LT D. Wigfall), Training and Readiness Officer (LTJG E. Daley) and
Engineering/Logistics Officer (LTJG L. Mitchell). Enlisted billets include an EN2 (NEC
4324), two MN1, SK1 (NEC 2814), YN2 and Senior Enlisted Leader (AGCS (SW) Tauzin).
- This command is designed to provide
on-site, day-to-day (oversight) of the two MCMs in Sasebo. There's a 13- or 14-hour time
difference between here and Ingleside, and having this command locally can provide around
the clock support. The command was designated by Commander, Mine Warfare Command to
provide afloat staff oversight and Intermediate Superior in Charge responsibilities for
both Guardian and Patriot. The staff will also provide support and execute exercise plans,
direct MCM operations in the region and liaison with other naval commands.
- Mine Countermeasures ships are
designed to sweep an area for explosive devices capable of severely damaging a vessel.
Patriot and Guardian are only two of the six mine warfare ships permanently forward
deployed. Mine Countermeasures Division (MCMDIV) 11, USS Guardian (MCM 5), USS Patriot
(MCM 7) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) Five Det. 51 participated in
Mine Warefare-Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise (MINEX-EODEX) ?6 off the coast of
Shimonoseki, Japan, Feb. 2006. One of several annual Japanese fleet exercises, MINEX-EODEX
is the only exercise where the forward-deployed U.S. mine countermeasure units routinely
engage Japanese naval assets.
- Mine Countermeasures Division (MCMDIV)
11, USS Guardian and Patriot provide support to the defense of the Korean peninsula. Their
role in this defense is exercised annually during Foal Eagle, a joint US / Korean FTX.
Foal Eagle was successfully exectued in March 2006. MCMDIV 11, USS Guardian and USS
Patriot took away valuable MCM tactical training as well as building upon an already good
working relationship with the ROK Navy.
- Cobra Gold is an annual bi-lateral,
United States and Royal Thai Navy exercise. Mine Countermeasures Divison (MCMDIV) 11 along
side the Thai MCM force run a joint battle watch conducting tactical, operational and
Command and Control training during the exercise.
- Mine Countermeasures Division (MCMDIV)
11 participated in the Western Pacific Mine Countermeasures Exercise, a bi-annual
multi-lateral event. The exercise was attaneded by a host of nations to include Australia,
Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Japan. The Western Pacific Mine
Countermeasures Exercise provided key training on new mine countermeasures Exercise
techniques and equipment, as well as training geared toward the global war on terrorism.
- If you have any questions or comments
about the information presented here, please forward them to the MINDIV
Webmaster.
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