Tensions between Iran and the rest of the civilized world are progressing as steadily as Iran's own controversial nuclear program. In response to any military threat, Iranian diplomats say they'll mine the Strait of Hormuz—a bottle-necked waterway upon which the world's oil trade depends.
Seems like the perfect time for a 30-nation, U.S. led mine clearing exercise in the water off the coast of Bahrain.
The 12th International Mine Countermeasures Exercise, which kicked off Sept. 17, features some of the Coalition Force's cutting edge mine interdiction technology. According to an official statement of the U.S. Navy, the exercise "focuses on interoperability among navies and also among the triad of air, ship and undersea platforms that deliver full-spectrum mine countermeasures capability."
Business Insider's own Robert Johnson just touched down to cover the two-week long exercise, so expect exclusive coverage as the training progresses.
First of all, the U.S. has lots of friends: Here we see the British Victoria refueling the USS Porter. A total of 30 nations are joining this naval exercise.
The Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) is quick to deploy and quick to recover. But the strength isn't in the speed, it's in the personnel it carries.
Upward of a half dozen of the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) sailors can shoot off the deck of U.S. Naval ships to interdict mine activity.
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