Full Description
In modern naval warfare, offensive and defensive mine operations and the ships that perform them often take a back seat to the more glamorous carrier strike groups, strategic deterrence patrols and anti-submarine operations. Despite their relatively small size and numbers, minecraft have enormous strategic and tactical value. With more than 200 photos, this book details the histories and specifications of more than 2,200 vessels that have served as minelayers and minesweepers, from World War I to today. Rare examples include the U.S. Navy's only purpose-built mine-laying submarine, and the remarkable 36-foot "mini minesweeper."
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Auxiliary Minelayers (ACM)
2. Minesweepers (AM)
3. Coastal Minesweepers (AMc)
4. Underwater Locator Coastal Minesweepers (AMCU)
5. Motor Minesweepers (AMS)
6. Mine Planters and Minelayers (CM)
7. Coastal Minelayers (CMc)
8. Light Minelayers (DM)
9. High-Speed Minesweepers (DMS) / Destroyer Minesweepers (DMS)
10. Mine Countermeasures Ships (MCM)
11. Mine Countermeasures Support Ships (MCS)
12. Coastal Minehunters (MHC)
13. Auxiliary Minelayers (MMA)
14. Coastal Minelayers (MMC)
15. Light Minelayers (DM)/Fast Minelayers (MMD)
16. Fleet Minelayer (MMF)
17. Minesweeping Boats (MSB)
18. Coastal Minesweepers (MSC)
19. Coastal Minesweepers-Old (MSCO)
20. Fleet Minesweepers-Steel-Hulled (MSF)
21. Inshore Minesweepers (MSI)
22. Minesweeping Launches (MSL)
23. Ocean Minesweepers (MSO)
24. Minesweepers-Special (MSS)
25. Minelaying Submarine (SM)
26. Motor Minesweepers (YMS)
27. Mine Miscellany
28. Transfers, Sales and Exports
Bibliography
Index
