MCM Operations off Libya

Lt Cdr Jim Byron DSC RN Commanding Officer HMS BROCKLESBY during Op ELLAMY

Who / What / Where

Visits HNLMS HAARLEM Exercises / HoD Ops MINEX FGS DATTELN ORP/ KONTRAMIRAL XEWERY CZERNIKI BNS NARCIS HMS BROCKLESBY Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR

Libyan conflict

Gadaffi Control Rebel / NTC Control Neutral

Libyan conflict

Context
16000 displaced persons living in port area
Aid ships stopped due to Mine Threat Near-constant bombardment of harbour BM21 / Palmyra / Tank / sniper threat Misrata Harbour Control = Misrata Rebel HQ

Core business!

SF minelaying in approaches to Misrata I&W by SSN, intercepted by FR DD Two confirmed mines Third free-floating mine??

Core business!

BE / NL national permissions Risk Daylight, close, fighting! Normal State 2 business! Luck Near impossible MH conditions

SAG 2B Buoyant Contact Mine

Mission success

Mission success

Ongoing Operations

Suspicious IED Investigation

Water-Borne IED Threat

Summary and Highlights

Misrata opened and 2 x 11nm Q-Routes cleared into the harbours MCM is still vital and a constant threat around the world Luck! It is Dangerous Lack of effective Force Protection for MCMVs Fine line between success and failure Successful MCM Ops! but I have never been as nervous as the day I personally declared the port open for business and the first ship went in!

Any Questions?

Mine Sinker Recovery