NAVAL FORCES KOREA - helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 2A, participated in mine countermeasure (MCM) training during exercise Foal Eagle, March 29.

Foal Eagle is a series of joint and combined field training exercises conducted by Combined Forces Command (CFC) and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) ground, air, naval and special operations component commands operating alongside Republic of Korea forces.

“One of the biggest opportunities we have is the ability to jointly-train with our Republic of Korea counterparts,” said Lt. Cmdr. Seth J. Ervin, HM-14 Detachment 2A’s officer-in-charge.

During the exercise, HM-14 used the MK 105 Mod 4 Magnetic Minesweeping System, commonly referred to as a sled. The sled, towed by one of HM-14’s MH-53E helicopters, is used because it provides a reliable and safe way to detect and detonate mines.

HM-14 conducts mine sweeping training in the waters around Pohang and is scheduled to soon conduct deck-landing qualifications (DLQs) with the ROKS Wonson (MLS 560).

“We continually train together,” said Ervin. “Every day we get better at our processes and improve our interoperability to ensure we are ready when needed to deter or defend the ROK.”