US Navy completes Oman Naval exercise Khanjar Had.

According to information published by the US DoD on May 16, 2023, U.S. naval forces completed participation in a weeklong Oman-led naval exercise in and off the coast of Oman with forces from France and the United Kingdom.
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Avenger class mine countermeasures ship USS Dextrous. (Picture source: US DoD)

The five-day exercise, called Khunjar Hadd, focused on mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, maritime interdiction and other combined naval operations.

Personnel from a U.S. 5th Fleet expeditionary mine countermeasures unit participated with crewmembers from mine countermeasures ship USS Dextrous (MCM 13) and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The exercise aimed to strengthen relationships and enhance interoperability among participating military forces. It began May 7, the same day U.S. 5th Fleet hosted Oman’s top naval commander at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain.

Naval mine warfare

Naval mines are self-contained explosive devices used to destroy submarines and surface vessels. They can also deny enemy access and confine them to specific areas.

Mines come in different types and can be deployed by various means. They detonate upon contact, influence, or through a controlled mechanism. Mine countermeasures, known as minesweeping, are essential in neutralizing minefields.