USS Champion (MCM4)

• USS Champion (MCM-4) is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship: Commissioned on February 8, 1991, USS Champion is the fourth ship of the Avenger class, designed specifically for mine countermeasures operations. • Named after multiple U.S. Navy ships: The name "Champion" honors three previous U.S. Navy ships, including a Civil War-era gunboat and a World War II minesweeper. • Built in Marinette, Wisconsin: The ship was constructed by Marinette Marine Corporation, a shipyard known for producing mine countermeasures and littoral combat ships. • Unique wooden hull construction: Unlike typical warships, Champion’s hull is made of wood, sheathed in fiberglass, to minimize its magnetic signature and reduce the risk of detonating mines. • First deployment to the Persian Gulf: USS Champion participated in mine-clearing operations in the Persian Gulf, supporting post-Gulf War efforts to ensure safe navigation. • Homeported in San Diego, California: Champion operated primarily from San Diego, enabling quick response to mine threats in the Pacific and beyond. • Advanced mine-hunting technology: The ship is equipped with high-definition sonar, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams to locate and neutralize mines. • Participated in multinational exercises: Champion routinely joined exercises with allied navies, such as RIMPAC, strengthening international mine countermeasures cooperation. • Involved in homeland security missions: After 9/11, Champion was part of increased U.S. coastal security efforts, ready to respond to potential underwater threats. • Decommissioned in 2020: After nearly 30 years of service, USS Champion was officially decommissioned on August 25, 2020, marking the end of her active service in the U.S. Navy.