Just Curios- Navy.

[James48843]

In reading the info about Iran's statements on closing the Straits of Hormuz, I am curious.

What do we have in the way of mine-sweeping capability these days?

I know the Navy used to have mine-sweeper ships, and then had mine-sweeping helicopters with two sleds.

What do we have now, and how much mine-sweeping capability do we retain today? If the Iranians put a large number of mines in the Straits, could we de-mine the area quickly, or will oil tankers be at risk of being sunk?

Any Navy folks care to kick in ideas?

 

[James48843]

Unclassified assessment of Iran's ability to close the waterway.

 

[nnuut]

Hey Jim /FOUO!

 

[Mcqlives]

Fox news is reporting that 6th fleet has mine sweepers attached to it.

 

[James48843]

We have 14 "Avenger Class" anti-mine ships in the U.S. Navy, two of which are stationed out of Bahrain. So I guess they would be the two clearing the Straits if need be.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenger_class_mine_countermeasures_ship

Just the thought of a few mines in the water there would be enough to reek havoc on the price of oil.

 

[James48843]

It's a tight squeeze.

​

 

[Birchtree]

Let's face it - I don't think the Iranians have enough facial hair to do anything but yap.

 

[Boghie]

The Iranians have many fixed targets that could be wiped out minutes after 'closing' the straight.
In fact, their processed fuels could be completely cut off.
BT's right, yappy dogs.

 

[Boghie]

By the way...

Watch the border between Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. Most of Iran's nuclear sites are in the NW. Israel could take the airfield on the easter arm of Syria, support it by air, and run attacks over the Iraq/Turkey border.

Oh, the confusion...


And, does Iraq have the air defenses to do more than yap now that we have left. So sad. The Left cannot yell at us for not stopping the bombing of Iran's nuclear baby milk factories...

 

[bmneveu]

I'm current navy with 3 years in.. i assume we'll be sending 90% of our minesweepers out there if they aren't already

 

[nnuut]

How about a new CANAL, Right HERE?
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[SteelSaving]

Be careful with a thread title involving "just curious" and "Navy" together.

Just saying.