Tactical oceanography in mine countermeasures

A successful power projection campaign may require operations through littoral defenses, including mines. Mines are the most prolific weapons available to other nations intent on inhibiting US Naval forces´ ability to project power from the sea. Therefore, mine countermeasures (MCM) is integral to the overall power projection campaign. Countering the mine threat is critical to naval forces ability to effectively shape and dominate the battlespace. Future operations will require rapid transit through the littoral regions. The success and effectiveness of any naval operation depends on the capabilities of the equipment, the environment, and detailed knowledge of the threat. New capabilities need to be developed to use the environment to a tactical advantage. This paper describes how the environment is being used and should be used in support of MCM in the littoral regions.