Mine Countermeasures Ships Depart Second Fleet, Will Call Third Fleet Home

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet announced March 6 that the first two of eight mine countermeasure ships will begin the transfer from 2nd Fleet's Area of Responsibility to 3rd Fleet.

The two ships will depart Naval Station Ingleside's waterfront March 9 and begin a month-long journey to a new homeport in San Diego.

USS Warrior (MCM 10) and USS Chief (MCM 14) are set to leave for a permanent change of duty station in accordance with the Department of Defense Base Relocation and Closure Commission's directed closure of Naval Station Ingleside. Four of the six remaining ships will set sail in phases once maintenance and upgrades are complete. Two other MCM ships will be heavy lifted.

This move begins the consolidation of mine warfare surface assets in one location to align resources, consolidate expertise and increase cost savings in maintenance, training and operations.

In addition to the MCM ships moving, other mine warfare commands moving to the West Coast include MCM Crews, MCM Class Squadron, MCM Squadron 1, MCM Squadron 3, Mobile Mine Assembly Group and Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 15.