View source for Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship

{{Short description|Class of American mine countermeasures ships}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2016}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}

{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=USS Avenger MCM-1.jpg
|Ship caption=The USS ''Avenger'' (MCM-1) underway in [[Hawaii]]an waters in July 2004
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Builders=*[[Peterson Shipbuilders]]
*[[Marinette Marine]]
|Operators=
|Class before=[[USS Ability (MSO-519)|''Ability''-class minesweeper]]
|Class after=[[Littoral combat ship]]
|Subclasses=
|Built range=
|In commission range=1987
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed=14
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=8
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=1
|Total ships retired=5
|Total ships preserved=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship type=Mine countermeasures ship
|Ship displacement=1,312 tons
|Ship length={{convert|224|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|39|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft={{convert|15|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship propulsion=*4 × [[Waukesha Engine|Waukesha Diesel engines]] (first two ships) or 4 × [[Isotta-Fraschini]] Diesel engines ({{convert|600|hp|abbr=on}} ea.)
*2 × {{convert|200|hp|abbr=on}} electric propulsion motors
*2 × shafts with controllable pitch propellers
*1 × {{convert|350|hp|abbr=on}} Omnithruster waterjet bow thruster
|Ship speed={{convert|14|kn}}
|Ship range=
|Ship complement=8 officers, 76 enlisted
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=*Mine neutralization system,
*4 × .50 caliber machine guns
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=
|Ship aircraft facilities=
|Ship notes=
}}
|}
'''''Avenger''-class mine countermeasures ships''' are a class of 14 ships<ref>{{cite web |title=Mine Countermeasures Ships (MCM) |url=https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Ships/By-Class/Mine-Countermeasures-Ships-MCM/ |website=www.surfpac.navy.mil}}</ref> constructed for the [[United States Navy]] from 1987 to 1994, designed to clear [[naval mine|mines]] from vital [[waterways]]. The ships have the [[hull classification symbol|hull designator]] MCM.

The ''Avenger''-class ships are being replaced by the [[Freedom-class littoral combat ship|''Freedom'']] and {{sclass|Independence|littoral combat ship}}s, as well as other MCM platforms, which use various [[unmanned vehicle|unmanned]] air, surface, and undersea vehicles to detect and destroy naval mines at a standoff distance.<ref>[https://news.usni.org/2020/08/28/opnav-n95-expeditionary-sea-bases-ideal-ships-to-operate-mine-countermeasure-mission-packages OPNAV N95: Expeditionary Sea Bases Ideal Ships to Operate Mine Countermeasure Mission Packages]. ''[[USNI News]]''. 28 August 2020.</ref>

==History==
===Background===
In the early 1980s, the U.S. Navy began development of a new [[Naval mine#Countermeasures|mine countermeasures]] (MCM) force, which included two new classes of ships and [[Minesweeper (ship)#Minesweeping aircraft|minesweeping helicopters]]. The vital importance of a state-of-the-art mine countermeasures force was strongly underscored in the [[Persian Gulf]] during the eight years of the [[Iran–Iraq War]], and in Operations [[Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield|Desert Shield]] and [[Gulf War|Desert Storm]] in 1990 and 1991 when [[USS Avenger (MCM-1)|''Avenger'']] and [[USS Guardian (MCM-5)|''Guardian'']] conducted MCM operations.

''Avenger''-class ships are designed as mine hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying, and destroying moored and bottom [[naval mine|mine]]s. The last three MCM ships were purchased in 1990, bringing the total to 14 fully deployable, oceangoing ''Avenger''-class ships. These ships use [[sonar]] and video systems, cable cutters and a mine-detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control. They are also capable of conventional [[Minesweeper (ship)|sweeping]] measures.

===Operations===
As of 2012, eight ''Avenger''s were forward-based: four at [[Sasebo]], Japan with standing crews, and four at [[Manama]], Bahrain, with ten ships' companies on rotational deployments.<ref name=Tringham>{{cite journal |last=Tringham |first=Kate |date=16 March 2012 |title=US to double the number of minesweepers in the Persian Gulf |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}</ref> In March 2012, the USN announced plans to deploy another four MCMs to Bahrain to counter potential Iranian threats to [[naval mine|mine]] the [[Strait of Hormuz]] reflecting increasing tensions between [[Iran-United States relations|the United States and Iran]] over the latter's [[Nuclear program of Iran|nuclear program]].<ref name=Tringham/>

==Design==
===Hull===
[[File:USS Avenger;Shocktrial.jpg|thumb|right|Shock trial of USS ''Avenger'' hull]]

The hulls of the ''Avenger''-class ships are constructed of [[wood]] with an external coating of [[fiberglass]]. The wood used is [[oak]], [[Douglas fir]] and [[Cupressus nootkatensis|Nootka Cypress]] because of their flexibility, strength and low weight. This construction allows the hull to withstand a nearby blast from a [[naval mine|mine]], and also gives the ship a low magnetic signature.

===Mine countermeasures systems===
The ships use [[AN/SLQ-48]] remotely operated mine disposal system supplied by [[Alliant Techsystems]] (ATK) and the EX116 Mod 0 [[remotely operated vehicle]] (ROV) mine neutralization system supplied by ATK and [[Raytheon]]. The AN/SLQ-48 detects, locates, classifies, and neutralizes moored mines and mines resting on the seabed. The vehicle uses high-frequency, high-resolution sonar, [[low light level television]] (LLLTV), cable cutters, and explosive charges to detect and dispose of mines, while remaining tethered to the vessel by a {{convert|1070|m|ft|adj=on|order=flip}} cable and under control of the vessel.

The ATK/Raytheon ROV is a similar system, but has a {{convert|1500|m|ft|adj=on|order=flip}} tether cable, and also carries cable cutters for dealing with tethered or moored mines, and explosive charges to detonate the mines.

===Sensor systems===
The ships employ the [[AN/SQQ-32]] advanced minehunting and classification [[sonar]] from Raytheon<ref name=Tringham/> and [[Thales Underwater Systems]] (formerly [[Thomson Marconi Sonar]]). The system has two sonars fitted in a small submersible pod towed under the ship. When not deployed the submersible is housed in a trunk below the deck of the ship. The sonars are a Raytheon search and detection sonar and a Thales high-resolution, high-frequency, target-classification sonar. The deployment and retrieval system for the submersible was designed by the [[Charles Stark Draper Laboratory]] in Massachusetts.

The ''Avenger'' class employ the [[AN/SPS-55]] surface-search and navigation [[radar]] supplied by Cardion, Inc. of New York. The ships have been equipped with [[CMC Electronics]] LN66 or Raytheon AN/SPS-66 navigation radars, but are slated to be upgraded with the [[AN/SPS-73]].

===Propulsion===
The ''Avenger''-class ships are equipped with four Waukesha-Pearce [[diesel engine]]s (MCM 1 and 2) or [[Isotta-Fraschini]] ID 36SS6V diesel engines (remainder), which are designed to have very low magnetic and [[acoustic signature]]s. Each engine develops {{convert|600|hp|kW}}, with a combined power of {{convert|2400|hp|MW}}, providing a cruising speed of {{convert|14|kn}} with [[controllable pitch propeller]]s. For [[nautical stationkeeping|stationkeeping]] the ship uses two Hansome electric motors rated at {{convert|294|kW|hp|order=flip}}. Precision maneuvering capability is provided by a {{convert|257|kW|hp|order=flip}} [[Omnithruster]] [[hydrojet]] (powered by Solar (Caterpillar Inc) Magnetic Marine Gas Turbine Generator).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://magazines.marinelink.com/Magazines/MaritimeReporter/198407/content/diesel-power-review-203686|title=DIESEL POWER REVIEW – Magazines|website=magazines.marinelink.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trucktrend.com/cool-trucks/1206dp-avenger-class-navy-mine-hunters/|title=Avenger Class Navy Mine Hunters – Diesel Power Magazine|date=1 June 2012}}</ref>

==Ships==
{| class="wikitable" style="clear:both"
|-
!Ship !!Hull no.!!Commissioned !!Decommissioned !!Builder!!Home port!!NVR Page
|-
|{{USS|Avenger|MCM-1|2}}||MCM-1||12 September 1987 || 30 September 2014 ||Peterson Shipbuilders|| ||rowspan=14|{{Naval Vessel Register|id=MCM1|title=MCM01}}
|-
|{{USS|Defender|MCM-2|2}}||MCM-2||30 September 1989 || 1 October 2014 ||[[Marinette Marine]] ||
|-
|{{USS|Sentry|MCM-3|2}}||MCM-3||2 September 1989 ||Proposed 2025<ref name="decomm1">{{cite web|url=https://media.defense.gov/2022/Apr/20/2002980535/-1/-1/0/PB23%20SHIPBUILDING%20PLAN%2018%20APR%202022%20FINAL.PDF|title=Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels|publisher=media.defense.gov|date=20 April 2022|access-date=7 October 2022}}</ref> ||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Manama, Bahrain
|-
|{{USS|Champion|MCM-4|2}}||MCM-4||8 February 1991 || 25 August 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/2317344/uss-champion-decommissions-after-30-years-of-service/|title=USS Champion Decommissions After 30 Years of Service|date=18 August 2020|publisher=Lt. j.g. Russell J. Natherson, USS Champion Public Affairs}}</ref>||Marinette Marine ||San Diego, California
|-
|{{USS|Guardian|MCM-5|2}}||MCM-5||16 December 1989 ||15 February 2013 (Scrapped)<ref>''Guardian'' grounded on [[Tubbataha Reef]] on the night of 17 January 2013. Removing the ship intact off the reef proved impossible, so it was chainsawed into four pieces lifted off by crane, scrapping her. [https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/stuck-minesweeper-to-be-cut-into-pieces/]</ref>||Peterson Shipbuilders||
|-
|{{USS|Devastator|MCM-6|2}}||MCM-6||6 October 1990 || Proposed 2025<ref name="decomm1" /> ||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Manama, Bahrain
|-
|{{USS|Patriot|MCM-7|2}}||MCM-7||18 October 1991 || Proposed 2027<ref name="decomm1" />||Marinette Marine ||Sasebo, Japan
|-
|{{USS|Scout|MCM-8|2}}||MCM-8||15 December 1990 || 26 August 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/2318796/uss-scout-decommissions/|title=USS Scout Decommissions |date=19 August 2020|publisher=USS Scout Public Affairs}}</ref>||Peterson Shipbuilders ||[[San Diego]], California
|-
|{{USS|Pioneer|MCM-9|2}}||MCM-9||7 December 1992 || Proposed 2027<ref name="decomm1" />||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Sasebo, Japan
|-
|{{USS|Warrior|MCM-10|2}}||MCM-10||7 April 1993 || Proposed 2027<ref name="decomm1" />||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Sasebo, Japan
|-
|{{USS|Gladiator|MCM-11|2}}||MCM-11||18 September 1993 || Proposed 2025<ref name="decomm1" /> ||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Manama, Bahrain
|-
|{{USS|Ardent|MCM-12|2}}||MCM-12||18 February 1994 || 27 August 2020<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/376384/champion-scout-ardent-decommission-after-distinguished-service/|title=CHAMPION, SCOUT, ARDENT Decommission After Distinguished Service|publisher=United States Navy|date=20 August 2020}}</ref>||Peterson Shipbuilders ||San Diego, California
|-
|{{USS|Dextrous|MCM-13|2}} ||MCM-13||9 July 1994 || Proposed 2025<ref name="decomm1" />||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Manama, Bahrain
|-
|{{USS|Chief|MCM-14|2}} ||MCM-14||5 November 1994 || Proposed 2027<ref name="decomm1" />||Peterson Shipbuilders ||Sasebo, Japan
|}

==Appearances in popular culture==
A fictional Avenger Class MCM is the vessel at the center of the 2023 film ''[[The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023 film)|The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial]]''. While no scenes appear on board the ship, it is shown in a photo posted in the courtroom, and much of the dialog involves the typical missions and capabilities of Avenger Class MCMs.

==Gallery==
<gallery heights=165 mode=packed>
Image:USS Sentry (MCM-3);11120302.jpg|USS ''Sentry'' and USS ''Kingfisher''
Image:USS guardian H.jpg|USS ''Guardian''
Image:USS Gladiator MCM-11.jpg|USS ''Gladiator'' in the Persian Gulf
Image:USS AVENGER at Yokosuka.jpg|USS ''Avenger'' at the Port of Yokosuka
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[List of mine warfare vessels of the United States Navy]]
*[[Osprey-class coastal minehunter]] – smaller vessels formerly in service with the USN
*[[Sandown-class minehunter]] – British contemporary
*[[Tripartite-class minehunter]] – numerous 1980s class in service in many European countries

==References==
=== Notes ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
*[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1900&ct=4 United States Navy Fact File: Mine Countermeasures Ships – MCM]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/mcm-1.htm Globalsecurity.org MCM-1 Avenger Mine Countermeasures Ships]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/mcm-1-specs.htm Globalsecurity.org MCM-1 Avenger Mine Countermeasures Ships]
*[http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/avenger/ Naval-Technology.com: Avenger Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel]
*[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/mcm-1.htm Federation of American Scientists: MCM-1 Avenger Mine Countermeasures Ships]
*{{Naval Vessel Register|https://web.archive.org/web/20110503180210/http://www.nvr.navy.mil:80/nvrships/s_MCM.htm}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Avenger class mine countermeasures ships}}
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/mcm-1-schem.htm Globalsecurity.org: Plans and schematics of the ''Avenger'' class]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/mcm-1-gallery.htm Globalsecurity.org: Photo gallery]

{{Avenger class mine countermeasures ship}}{{Active ship classes of the United States Navy}}{{Marinette Marine|state=autocollapse}}

[[Category:Mine warfare vessel classes]]
[[Category:Naval ships of the United States]]
[[Category:Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships| ]]