https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow ard-the-middle-east Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it...Just an old story isn't it..Being a HM person won't get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles...mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/
YEP, that is the story! Pete Peter Burdett, Cell: 603-738-0168 CDR, USN(ret) HM-12 1975 to 1982 - Then HM-14 from 84-86 On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 12:00:28 PM EDT, <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> wrote: https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow... Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it…..Just an old story isn’t it……Being a HM person won’t get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles…..mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for www.brattland.org www.overthehillgang.com www.overdrivehotrodnews.com www.gerlecreek.org www.helobubbas.com www.prowlers.org www.gerlecreek.com www.ford6vcarburetion.com www.westcoastwillysclub.com www.nssha.org www.nhahistoricalsociety.org https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com
I’ve been working in an area closely related to MCM - extending UUV ops with new technologies - for several years. In fact, we did a NASP study about 18 months ago that looked at doing MCM with UUVs and a base ship, interestingly enough using either an LCS or one of the ESBs as such. Our MCM capability is indeed spotty with the latest capability anchored in the LCS MCM module (not really supposed to link it directly with the LCS - it can be shore based) the HC squadrons with the blue green laser equipped mine detector and the 60s with the detonator for destroying mines. Only a couple of those. The EOD have a couple of companies that they have configured as “expeditionary” MCM units. They carry their own UUVs and an integrated C2 capability to retrieve the data. The post mission analysis, i.e., reviewing the scans for the mines, is done in a one for one timestep - it’s a slow process. The module is supposed to carry two types of USVs, one that can search with sonar and another that can sweep. Of course, the EOD units would join with the module under the command of a an MCMGRU - an O6 with a staff. We have several MCMGRUs and I’m sure at least one is on scene (one is supposed to be deployed to Bahrain.) In my view, we’re caught in between phasing out the old way of doing MCM, with ships such as the Avengers, and the next generation, the module-based, UUV intensive process. The implication is that we’re rushing what Avengers we can back into the fight and we’ll see how the new-fangled things work out for real. Should make for interesting conversation at the mine warfare conference the first week in June here in San Diego. From: "Michael G. Brattland" <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 09:00 To: HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] Mine Warfare WARNING - EXTERNAL EMAIL This Email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow... Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it…..Just an old story isn’t it……Being a HM person won’t get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles…..mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for www.brattland.org www.overthehillgang.com www.overdrivehotrodnews.com www.gerlecreek.org www.helobubbas.com www.prowlers.org www.gerlecreek.com www.ford6vcarburetion.com www.westcoastwillysclub.com www.nssha.org www.nhahistoricalsociety.org https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com
Terry as always, your discussion and background in this area with what is being used now, is most appreciated. Thanks for sharing this….mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ From: Terry McKearney <terry.mckearney@therangergroup.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 3:20 PM To: mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com; HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] Re: Mine Warfare I’ve been working in an area closely related to MCM - extending UUV ops with new technologies - for several years. In fact, we did a NASP study about 18 months ago that looked at doing MCM with UUVs and a base ship, interestingly enough using either an LCS or one of the ESBs as such. Our MCM capability is indeed spotty with the latest capability anchored in the LCS MCM module (not really supposed to link it directly with the LCS - it can be shore based) the HC squadrons with the blue green laser equipped mine detector and the 60s with the detonator for destroying mines. Only a couple of those. The EOD have a couple of companies that they have configured as “expeditionary” MCM units. They carry their own UUVs and an integrated C2 capability to retrieve the data. The post mission analysis, i.e., reviewing the scans for the mines, is done in a one for one timestep - it’s a slow process. The module is supposed to carry two types of USVs, one that can search with sonar and another that can sweep. Of course, the EOD units would join with the module under the command of a an MCMGRU - an O6 with a staff. We have several MCMGRUs and I’m sure at least one is on scene (one is supposed to be deployed to Bahrain.) In my view, we’re caught in between phasing out the old way of doing MCM, with ships such as the Avengers, and the next generation, the module-based, UUV intensive process. The implication is that we’re rushing what Avengers we can back into the fight and we’ll see how the new-fangled things work out for real. Should make for interesting conversation at the mine warfare conference the first week in June here in San Diego. From: "Michael G. Brattland" <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> > Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 09:00 To: HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com <mailto:helobubbas@helobubbas.com> > Subject: [Helobubbas] Mine Warfare WARNING - EXTERNAL EMAIL This Email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow... Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it…..Just an old story isn’t it……Being a HM person won’t get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles…..mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com <mailto:helobubbas@helobubbas.com> To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com <mailto:helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com>
Terry IS a great resource. We should marshal folks to teach him to hover to welcome him with "spread open rotors". *Lou* On Tue, Apr 14, 2026 at 4:17 PM <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> wrote:
Terry as always, your discussion and background in this area with what is being used now, is most appreciated. Thanks for sharing this….mgb
*CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> *
*mgbrattland@brattland.org <mgbrattland@brattland.org> *
*Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events*
*sandiegocarguys@brattland.org <sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> *
*619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan*
*Webmaster for **www.brattland.org <http://www.brattland.org/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overthehillgang.com/>* *www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/>** www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> ** www.helobubbas.com <http://www.helobubbas.com/>*
*www.prowlers.org <http://www.prowlers.org/>* * www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.gerlecreek.com/>* *www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/>*
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*From:* Terry McKearney <terry.mckearney@therangergroup.com> *Sent:* Tuesday, April 14, 2026 3:20 PM *To:* mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com; HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> *Subject:* [Helobubbas] Re: Mine Warfare
I’ve been working in an area closely related to MCM - extending UUV ops with new technologies - for several years. In fact, we did a NASP study about 18 months ago that looked at doing MCM with UUVs and a base ship, interestingly enough using either an LCS or one of the ESBs as such. Our MCM capability is indeed spotty with the latest capability anchored in the LCS MCM module (not really supposed to link it directly with the LCS - it can be shore based) the HC squadrons with the blue green laser equipped mine detector and the 60s with the detonator for destroying mines. Only a couple of those. The EOD have a couple of companies that they have configured as “expeditionary” MCM units. They carry their own UUVs and an integrated C2 capability to retrieve the data. The post mission analysis, i.e., reviewing the scans for the mines, is done in a one for one timestep - it’s a slow process.
The module is supposed to carry two types of USVs, one that can search with sonar and another that can sweep. Of course, the EOD units would join with the module under the command of a an MCMGRU - an O6 with a staff. We have several MCMGRUs and I’m sure at least one is on scene (one is supposed to be deployed to Bahrain.)
In my view, we’re caught in between phasing out the old way of doing MCM, with ships such as the *Avengers,* and the next generation, the module-based, UUV intensive process. The implication is that we’re rushing what *Avengers* we can back into the fight and we’ll see how the new-fangled things work out for real.
Should make for interesting conversation at the mine warfare conference the first week in June here in San Diego.
*From: *"Michael G. Brattland" <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> *Date: *Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 09:00 *To: *HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> *Subject: *[Helobubbas] Mine Warfare
*WARNING - EXTERNAL EMAIL* This Email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow...
Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it…..Just an old story isn’t it……Being a HM person won’t get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles…..mgb
*CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> *
*mgbrattland@brattland.org <mgbrattland@brattland.org> *
*Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events*
*sandiegocarguys@brattland.org <sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> *
*619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan*
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Well, I’m honored. I’ve had some memorable rides in SH-3s, many bracketed by attention focusing - if not harrowing - rides in a sling to and from the deck of a frequently pitching Forrest Sherman or Adams. (No flight deck - just a painted square where you stood to be hoisted up.) Most memorable was the one where the stern of the ship was coming clear out of the water - you could see the screws spinning in the daylight - and it took three approaches to get me down. Every time they pulled me back up the wind blew me under the belly of the aircraft and I thought they were going to stuff me up into the sonar housing. (I think that was the trip where they didn’t get the ground probe on the wire and I found out why they do that when I touched down.) Balancing those out were a few trips in Blackbeard, the COMSEVENTFHT decked out VIP helo. The best way to get to Baggio and various other places. One thing for certain, as much as I love helos - and I do, having done my time in both the destroyer and the amphib worlds- it’s for sure I shouldn’t be let near the controls. I’ve been a disaster every time I’ve gotten a chance to “fly” the trainer on NASNI, last time about 18 months ago. Besides, my eyes were so bad that they tried to kick me out of the surface force when I was an O4. (Long and entertaining story there about Navy medicine.) However, while on summer breaks in Phoenix, while a mid at BWI, and as a single ensign at the NASNI flying club, I managed to string together about 30 hours in a Cessna 150, soloed in about 10 (guess they thought I could only kill myself in the desert.) As I’m sure many on this blog know, private flying is expensive and with a wife who’s terrified of anything smaller than a Boeing 737, my aviation dreams have faded with my youth. WARNING - EXTERNAL EMAIL This Email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. From: Lou Fifer <louisfifer@gmail.com> Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 16:25 To: "Michael G. Brattland" <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> Cc: Terry McKearney <terry.mckearney@therangergroup.com>, HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] Re: Mine Warfare Terry IS a great resource. We should marshal folks to teach him to hover to welcome him with "spread open rotors". Lou On Tue, Apr 14, 2026 at 4:17 PM <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> wrote: Terry as always, your discussion and background in this area with what is being used now, is most appreciated. Thanks for sharing this….mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for www.brattland.org www.overthehillgang.com www.overdrivehotrodnews.com www.gerlecreek.org www.helobubbas.com www.prowlers.org www.gerlecreek.com www.ford6vcarburetion.com www.westcoastwillysclub.com www.nssha.org www.nhahistoricalsociety.org https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ From: Terry McKearney <terry.mckearney@therangergroup.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 3:20 PM To: mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com; HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] Re: Mine Warfare I’ve been working in an area closely related to MCM - extending UUV ops with new technologies - for several years. In fact, we did a NASP study about 18 months ago that looked at doing MCM with UUVs and a base ship, interestingly enough using either an LCS or one of the ESBs as such. Our MCM capability is indeed spotty with the latest capability anchored in the LCS MCM module (not really supposed to link it directly with the LCS - it can be shore based) the HC squadrons with the blue green laser equipped mine detector and the 60s with the detonator for destroying mines. Only a couple of those. The EOD have a couple of companies that they have configured as “expeditionary” MCM units. They carry their own UUVs and an integrated C2 capability to retrieve the data. The post mission analysis, i.e., reviewing the scans for the mines, is done in a one for one timestep - it’s a slow process. The module is supposed to carry two types of USVs, one that can search with sonar and another that can sweep. Of course, the EOD units would join with the module under the command of a an MCMGRU - an O6 with a staff. We have several MCMGRUs and I’m sure at least one is on scene (one is supposed to be deployed to Bahrain.) In my view, we’re caught in between phasing out the old way of doing MCM, with ships such as the Avengers, and the next generation, the module-based, UUV intensive process. The implication is that we’re rushing what Avengers we can back into the fight and we’ll see how the new-fangled things work out for real. Should make for interesting conversation at the mine warfare conference the first week in June here in San Diego. From: "Michael G. Brattland" <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 09:00 To: HeloBubbas <helobubbas@helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] Mine Warfare WARNING - EXTERNAL EMAIL This Email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow... Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it…..Just an old story isn’t it……Being a HM person won’t get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles…..mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for www.brattland.org www.overthehillgang.com www.overdrivehotrodnews.com www.gerlecreek.org www.helobubbas.com www.prowlers.org www.gerlecreek.com www.ford6vcarburetion.com www.westcoastwillysclub.com www.nssha.org www.nhahistoricalsociety.org https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com
Reminds me of how we focused on ASW/USW in the 80's and 90's and then that focus was lost.Grasshopper On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 09:00:27 AM MST, <mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> wrote: https://www.twz.com/sea/flurry-of-navy-minesweepers-appear-to-be-heading-tow... Last 50 years plus, no one is interested in mine warfare and ships and helicopters which are required till the need has come to pass with assets scattered wide or gone and then everyone scrambles to unwind years of no support or budget authority for it…..Just an old story isn’t it……Being a HM person won’t get you a cocktail invitation in Navy circles…..mgb CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com mgbrattland@brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events sandiegocarguys@brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for www.brattland.org www.overthehillgang.com www.overdrivehotrodnews.com www.gerlecreek.org www.helobubbas.com www.prowlers.org www.gerlecreek.com www.ford6vcarburetion.com www.westcoastwillysclub.com www.nssha.org www.nhahistoricalsociety.org https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas@helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave@helobubbas.com
participants (5)
-
Lou Fifer -
mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com -
Pete Burdett -
tennishog＠aol.com -
Terry McKearney