French, American and UK naval forces took part in an exercise in the Gulf to test capabilities in clearing shipping lanes of mines. Ten ships and more than 700 personnel took part. The test included securing a route for humanitarian aid to reach a disaster zone through mined waters while coming under attack.
“Mine warfare is a complex and dangerous business that many people do not understand,” commented Commander Steven White. “These exercises allow me – along with my fellow task group commanders, and commanding officers of ships and diving units – to practise and refine our skills and procedures so we are ready when called upon to do this for real."
