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Navy Retires Last Avenger Minesweeper in Middle East as LCS Force Takes Over in Bahrain

The Navy is shifting Bahrain’s mine-clearing mission to Independence-variant LCS using unmanned systems for greater standoff.

U.S. Sailors man the rails of the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Gladiator (MCM-11) during a decommissioning ceremony for the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Devastator (MCM 6) in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 25. (Photo: U.S. Army)
The littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30), sails in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
Image
US Sailors man the rails of USS Dextrous (MCM 13) during a decommissioning ceremony in Bahrain. Credit: US Navy.

Overview

  • USS Devastator was decommissioned Sept. 25 at NSA Bahrain, closing Avenger-class mine countermeasures service in the region and recognizing Sentry, Dextrous and Gladiator.
  • Four Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships are designated to assume the mission from Bahrain, with USS Canberra in place since May and Santa Barbara and Tulsa already in 5th Fleet.
  • The mine-countermeasures package employs unmanned surface and undersea vehicles, towed sonars and MH-60S helicopters to detect and neutralize mines at a safer distance.
  • A $7 million Defense Department contract to Sealift Inc. will transport the four retired Avenger hulls to the U.S. East Coast, with work expected to finish by February 2026.
  • Questions about LCS reliability continue, with Naval News reporting test mishaps and sensor limitations cited by a Navy official.