Australian Defence Force personnel have attended an advanced mine warfare course hosted by the Royal Navy. Warrant Officer Jason Lockard and Chief Petty Officer Narelle Cochrane attended the eight-week training course at HMS Collingwood on how a maritime task group could plan for, and eliminate, the threat posed to maritime security and stability by sea mines. WO Lockard and CPO Cochrane learned planning considerations, including how to identify areas likely to be mined, best patterns of search to identify targets, and best available disposal methods.

RAN Minehunter Coastal HMAS Diamantina during Exercise Dugong 24 at Eden, photo CPL Michael Rogers

“The course is designed for us to conduct practical planning for the execution of mine warfare operations,” WO Lockard said. “Doing it alongside some Five Eyes partners who we may need to work with in the future made it realistic.” Both sailors are now qualified to work as mine warfare planners within maritime task groups.

During the course, students conducted a final training serial at the Mine Warfare Centre for Excellence in Ostend, Belgium. They worked as a task group to identify targets against a computer-simulated mine warfare threat. After the threats were identified, participants assigned assets such as clearance divers or mine clearance vessels. “I am looking forward to using my new knowledge and skills to overcome challenges with mine countermeasures operations,” CPO Cochrane said. “Being able to contribute to advancements in our mine warfare tactics and strategies benefits my whole workforce.”