The staff of Mine Countermeasures Division (MCMDIV) 31 successfully completed a weeklong training event at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, May 1.

The Integrated Mine Warfare Course Phase 1 (IMC-1) is conducted annually to ensure proper readiness of mine warfare commands across the fleet.

The primary goal of IMC-1 is to familiarize the command with the Navy Planning Process, utilizing a table-top scenario. The training includes Mine Countermeasures (MCM) operational planning, MCM tactics, techniques and procedures, team building, watch floor management, orders development, and the Mine Warfare Environmental Decision Aid Library (MEDAL).

According to command leadership, all departments within MCMDIV-31 came together to make this event a huge success for the command. For some, this was their first IMC-1 exercise.

"With IMC-1 being my first exercise with the MCMDIV-31 staff, it was an eye-opening experience to find out how crucial our environmental products are being utilized in the MCM community," said Chief Aerographer's Mate Joe McGonis, N2's leading chief petty officer. "I'm definitely more prepared to support and lead future maritime homeland defense (MHD) and world-wide MCM operations and exercises."

The staff excelled in the creation of mission analysis, enemy and friendly courses of action development and comparison, and development of a concept of operations. As a result of IMC-1, the staff is knowledgeable and proficient in using the Navy planning process to answer a mine warfare problem.

Following the training, the command stands ready to conduct MCM planning in support of operational plans, contingency plans, and miscellaneous theater requirements. MCMDIV-31 is also ready to provide MCM subject matter experts to support higher headquarters, if necessary.

A U.S. 3rd Fleet mine countermeasures command staff, MCMDIV-31 was formed in 2010 from two forward deployed mine countermeasures divisions. MCMDIV-31 continues to excel in mission readiness and stands ready to support MCM operations across the globe.

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