Mine Countermeasures Ship - MCS

Description: Dedicated command, control and support ship for mine countermeasures operations. To learn more about Mine Warfare visit their command's web site.

Background: Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm identified the need for a dedicated command, control and support ship to support mine countermeasures operations. The contract to convert Inchon was awarded in November 1994 to Ingalls Shipbuilding, Inc., Pascagoula, Miss.

Features:USS Inchon was converted from an amphibious assault ship with major changes made to the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C⁴I) system including upgrades to the close-in weapons system (Phalanx) and various radars. The ship supports an embarked composite helicopter squadron of eight CH-53E and two SAR/spotter helicopters, and provides alongside support and services for up to four MCM/MHC ships. It can support and accommodate four Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) groups with assigned equipment. Additionally it provides C⁴I facilities for the MCM group commander. New repair facilities and upgrades to older one were also added, giving the MSC 12 the ability to accomplish whatever repairs are necessary to weapons, LCACs, aircraft, etc., in any theater of operation.

Point of Contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, DC 20362

General Characteristics, Inchon Class

Builders: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss.
Power Plant: 600-pound steam plant, one shaft, 22,000 shaft horsepower
Length: 602 feet (183.5 meters)
Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
Displacement: 19,600 tons (19,914.54 metric tons) full load
Speed: 21 knots (24 miles per hour)
Aircraft:
Two UH-46D Sea Knight helicopters and eight MH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters.
Ship: USS Inchon (MCS 12), Ingleside, Tex.
Crew: 122 officers; 1,321 enlisted
Armament: Four .50 caliber machine guns; four 25mm MK 38 machine guns; two Phalanx CIWS; Stingers.

Return