The U.S. Navy has started consolidating plans to adopt and employ an arsenal of modern mine countermeasure systems as its aging systems are set to retire soon, USNI News reported Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. David Coffman, director of expeditionary warfare for the office of the chief of naval operations, said that he is coordinating with various Navy organizations and stakeholders to plan for the service’s transition to advanced MCM technologies, as well as discuss any concerns with risks and costs.
He added that there is a need for the service to arrange its strategy for future operations on new fleets equipped with advanced sensors and capabilities.
However, Coffman noted that the Navy needs to wait for certain system components to be developed or replicated as some old and new mine warfare systems do not possess the same capabilities.
​​​​​​The initial MCM planning team will meet with the Naval Board and Adm. Chris Grady, commander of the Fleet Forces Command, in the upcoming months to encourage the participation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders and other operators in the effort.
A final strategy is expected to be presented to Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, before 2018 ends.