Defender Visits Yakushima

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YAKUSHIMA, Japan (NNS) -- Mine Countermeasures ship USS Defender (MCM 2) arrived in Yakushima for a three-day port call, Oct. 18. It was the first visit by a Navy ship to this small island located 225 miles south of the Japanese mainland.

Yahushima's Yakasugi forest, a unique remnant of a warm-temperate ancient forest where no records of past tree cutting can be traced has been a World Heritage Site since 1993.

"Our visit to the beautiful Island of Yakushima gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the defense of Japan and our desire to maintain peace and stability throughout the region," said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick O'Mahoney, Defender's commanding officer.

During its visit Defender will hold a dinner reception for local leaders and government officials, and the ship will host public tours.

"When I show people our ship and what we do to make her work, it gives me great pride, and also gives me a chance to engage in a cultural exchange with those that might not have much interaction with U.S. Sailors," said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Richard Levangie.

Before Defender departs the Island, the crew will take part in a volunteer project to clean the local beaches that are internationally recognized as sea tortoise hatchery havens.

"Community service gives us a chance to give back, and makes me feel like a better person," said Mineman Seaman Apprentice Raymond Barrett.

Defender is currently deployed to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Defender Arrives in Sasebo

The mine warfare ship USS Defender (MCM 2) enters the submerged deck of the Military Sealift Command heavy-lift vessel Condock IV during a float-on/float-off evolution in Sasebo basin. Defender will be joined in Sasebo by USS Avenger (MCM 1), expected to arrive later in the month. Both avenger-class mine warfare ships will conduct an extended deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det., Japan

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Defender (MCM 2) was off-loaded from heavy lift ship, Condock IV, at Fleet Activities Sasebo's India basin during a float-on/float-off operation June 3.

The Navy does not possess the capability provided by the specialized heavy-lift ships, also known as semisubmersible ships.

"Operation meetings, safety checks and coordination between representatives from Navy Sea Systems Command, Military Sealift Command, Mine Countermeasures Squadron One and Sasebo-based COMCMDIV 11 all went into getting Defender moored here for her visit," said Lt. j.g. Richard S. Ray, chief staff officer at Mine Countermeasures Division (COMCMDIV) 11.

"We have done heavy lift ship movement before, but this is the first time we have done this evolution here in Sasebo. For the local representatives it is a great experience we are all excited to be a part of," said Ray.

Defender, the first of two mine ships that will conduct a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment, arrived ahead of the lead ship of the Avenger-class mine ships, USS Avenger (MCM 1), expected to arrive toward the end of June.

The ships are 224 feet long with a beam of 39 feet and a draft of 15 feet. There are eight officers and 76 enlisted personnel on each ship. The commanding officer of Defender is Lt. Cmdr. Patrick O'Mahoney. The commanding officer of USS Avenger is Lt. Cmdr. Steve Johnson.

Both ships recently shifted their homeport from Ingleside, Texas, to San Diego, where they conducted pre-overseas movement training and a maintenance period dedicated to elevating readiness and support of the Sailors and the WESTPAC deployment.

Ensign Christopher B. Cupp from Sulphr, La., said the transit from Ingleside took approximately 45 days with six crew members riding aboard to keep watch and provide general maintenance to the ship while conducting the transit.

"Being a smaller ship, our design is tailored for the coastal mission and can only maintain stores and supplies long enough for a shorter time," said Cupp.

"This has been a terrific opportunity to get more experience and see how the Navy operates in other areas of the world. I have heard so many good things about Sasebo, and Japan is someplace I have always wanted to visit. I am really looking forward to getting out and exploring the rich culture while we are here."