Avenger class ships are designed as mine sweepers/hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying and destroying moored and bottom mines. The last three MCM ships were purchased in 1990, bringing the total to 14 fully deployable, oceangoing Avenger class ships.
These ships use sonar and video systems, cable cutters and a mine detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control. They are also capable of conventional sweeping measures. The ships are of fiberglass sheathed, wooden hull construction.
Ships:
USS Avenger (MCM 1), Sasebo, Japan USS Defender (MCM 2), Sasebo, Japan USS Sentry (MCM 3), Manama, Bahrain USS Champion (MCM 4), San Diego, CA USS Devastator (MCM 6), Manama, Bahrain USS Patriot (MCM 7), Sasebo, Japan USS Scout (MCM 8), San Diego, CA USS Pioneer (MCM 9), San Diego, CA USS Warrior (MCM 10), Sasebo, Japan USS Gladiator (MCM 11), Manama, Bahrain USS Ardent (MCM 12), San Diego, CA USS Dextrous (MCM 13), Manama, Bahrain USS Chief (MCM 14), San Diego, CA
