June 2003
Hydroid’s REMUS Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Plays a Key Role in Clearing the Way for Humanitarian Aid to Iraq

(April 24, 2003 – E. Falmouth, MA) REMUS, the compact and powerful AUV selected by the U.S. Navy Fleet for mine-counter measure operations has taken on an important role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This technology has been utilized to aid in the detection and clearance of near shore mines within the Middle East.

As heavily reported in the news, The British cargo ship, Sir Galahad, loaded with over 232 tons of water, food, and other emergency supplies, was bound for the port of Umm Qasr shortly after the onset of the war in Iraq. Unfortunately, mines were detected in the area, and the ship was forced to remain offshore until mine clearance operations could be conducted. With the aid of REMUS Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, a path was finally deemed clear, and the vessel was able to deliver its badly needed aid.

For the mine location and clearance operation, the U.S. Navy enlisted the service of their newly formed Naval Special Clearance Team One, comprised of highly skilled Navy Seal divers, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) divers, and Marine Corps forces. These forces relied on the Navy’s newest addition to their Fleet, Hydroid’s REMUS Autonomous Underwater Vehicles.

The torpedo shaped REMUS vehicle, measuring in at less than 3 1⁄2 feet long, and 80 lbs, was used extensively to search a pre-programmed track looking for mine like objects. Rear Admiral Paul Ryan was quoted by "Inside the Navy" to say "It's [REMUS] done just a wonderful job for us over there in the Umm Qasr vicinity and we are looking forward to the end of the conflict to be able to tell the full story of the first operational deployment of UUVs."

Hydroid’s REMUS vehicle was selected last year to support the U.S. Navy’s mine counter measure operations. The vehicle is capable of operating to 100 meters depth, and carries a powerful payload of standard sensors and instrumentation, including side scan sonar used to detect the mine like objects. Within the past 12 month, 14 vehicles have been delivered to the U.S. Navy. An unknown number of units are currently in operation throughout the Middle East, and will continue to play a key role in ensuring the safety of regional ports and harbors.

For further information contact Kevin McCarthy, Vice President of Marketing at Hydroid at Tel 508-563-6565, e-mail [email protected].

Return to Press Releases