About this Unit
USS Defender (MCM-2) was an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship of the United States Navy, commissioned on 30 September 1989. Designed to detect and neutralize naval mines, Defender played a critical role in ensuring safe passage for U.S. and allied vessels, particularly in mine-threatened waters. Throughout her service, she participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including operations in the Persian Gulf where mine warfare posed significant risks. After more than two decades of dedicated service, USS Defender was decommissioned on 1 October 2014.
Historical Facts
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USS Defender (MCM-2): The USS Defender is the second ship of the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships, designed specifically for locating, classifying, and neutralizing mines in the ocean.
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Commissioning: Defender was commissioned on September 30, 1989, at Naval Station Treasure Island in San Francisco, California.
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Construction Material: The ship features a unique construction using a wooden hull with a fiberglass coating to minimize magnetic signatures and reduce the risk of triggering magnetic mines.
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Gulf War Service: USS Defender participated in Operation Desert Storm, helping to clear minefields in the Persian Gulf to ensure the safe passage of coalition naval forces.
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Pacific Deployment: Defender was regularly based in Sasebo, Japan, as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed naval forces, supporting regional security and mine countermeasures training in the Pacific.
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Advanced Mine-Hunting Equipment: The ship was equipped with advanced sonar systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and explosive ordnance disposal teams to detect and neutralize underwater mines.
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Crew: The Defender operated with a crew of approximately 80 officers and enlisted personnel, trained in specialized mine warfare tactics.
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Decommissioning: After over 25 years of service, USS Defender was decommissioned on October 1, 2014, at Naval Base San Diego.
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International Exercises: Throughout her career, Defender took part in joint exercises with allied navies, including RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), enhancing multinational mine countermeasures cooperation.
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Legacy: Parts of Defender were used to support other Avenger-class ships, and her decommissioning marked a continued shift toward newer mine countermeasures technology in the U.S. Navy.
