About this Unit
USS *Scout* (MCM-8) is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship of the United States Navy, commissioned on 15 December 1990. Designed for finding, classifying, and neutralizing naval mines, *Scout* has played a critical role in ensuring safe passage for U.S. and allied naval forces, particularly in the Persian Gulf during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Over her service, she has participated in numerous multinational exercises, enhancing interoperability with allied navies and refining mine warfare tactics. *Scout*’s wooden hull and fiberglass sheathing, combined with advanced mine-hunting sonar, make her especially suited for her dangerous and vital mission.
Historical Facts
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USS Scout (MCM-8) is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship of the United States Navy, commissioned on December 15, 1990, and built primarily of wood with a fiberglass coating to reduce its magnetic signature.
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The ship's primary mission is to detect, classify, and neutralize moored and bottom mines, making it a vital asset for ensuring safe passage for naval and commercial vessels.
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USS Scout was constructed at Peterson Builders, Inc., in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, a shipyard known for building numerous mine warfare vessels for the US Navy.
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The ship is equipped with sophisticated minehunting technology, including the AN/SQQ-32 Minehunting Sonar and mine neutralization vehicles like the AN/SLQ-48.
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Throughout its service, USS Scout has participated in multiple major exercises and operations, including international mine warfare exercises with allied navies, enhancing cooperation and interoperability.
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In the aftermath of 9/11, USS Scout was forward-deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, ensuring mine-free transit routes for coalition forces in the Persian Gulf.
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The ship has been awarded the Navy Battle "E" Efficiency award multiple times, recognizing its excellence in combat readiness and operational performance.
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In 2012, USS Scout was deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility, taking part in mine countermeasures operations to secure vital maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
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The crew of USS Scout consists of around 80 officers and enlisted personnel, who undergo specialized training in mine warfare and shipboard operations.
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With a length of 224 feet and a displacement of approximately 1,300 tons, USS Scout remains a testament to the important, though often underappreciated, role of mine countermeasures in modern naval strategy.
