Enhanced mine warfare capabilities will soon be a reality for the Royal Australian Navy, with Australia Mine Warfare Team 16 being officially named at a ceremony at HMAS Waterhen. The team, named after the 16th Mine Sweeping Squadron, achieved the milestone on Thursday 14 July, with Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, and members of the original 16th Mine Sweeping Squadron watching on.
Vice Admiral Barrett said the establishment of Australia Mine Warfare Team 16 will help Navy achieve its capability priorities.
“The team’s formation follows a major review of Navy’s mine clearance capability. This has resulted in a significant workforce restructure and the delivery of upgraded mine warfare and clearance diving systems,” he said.
“Ultimately, the review and restructure will deliver a sustainable, full-spectrum, deployable mine warfare capability to enable future expeditionary maritime task group operations.”
Commanding Officer of Australia Mine Warfare Team 16, Lieutenant Commander Ryan Carmichael, paid tribute to members of the 16th Mine Sweeping Squadron.
“Today’s naming ceremony is an important milestone in the team’s development. We look forward to operating our new manned and unmanned mine warfare systems as capabilities materialise,” Lieutenant Commander Carmichael said.
“Australian Mine Warfare Team 16 is charged with a key role in aligning mine warfare and clearance diving with Navy Strategy 2018 and today marks a significant step in a longer expeditionary mine counter measures journey. ”
Mrs Jacquie Clarey, the wife of the President of 16th Mine Sweeping Squadron Association, agreed to be the team’s lady sponsor.