MANAMA, 24 January 2007 — The US Navy is upgrading its capability to counter threats from mines in the Gulf waters by boosting its presence in the region. The first of its two new Avenger-class mine hunters arrived in Bahrain's Mina Salman port yesterday.

The 1,300 ton, 224-foot USS Gladiator was offloaded from the German-owned heavy lift vessel Condock V after it left Ingleside, Texas, in early December to head to the Gulf.

The new capabilities will provide added force protection to the coalition ships and enable them to better ensure the safety of oil platforms and maritime routes, through which a lot of the world oil supply and commerce pass.

The upgrade also comes in the midst of a military buildup in the region as international pressure mounts on Iran to bring about a halt to their nuclear program.

Many fear that Iranians who oversee the Strait of Hormuz - which is the Gulf's only waterway access - and have long shore lines overlooking the Gulf and Sea of Oman could use "denial of access" tactics and mines to disturb shipping in the region as it was the case during the Iran-Iraq war if hostilities break out.

The two new ships will join the already deployed mine hunting assets in the Gulf which include the Avenger-class USS Dextrous, USS Ardent and the airborne MK-105 magnetic mine sweeping system, known as the "sled."

US Naval Forces Central Command Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Scott Swift said that mines pose serious threat to all maritime traffic.

"Gladiator contributes to an important defensive capability for the coalition maritime force in our efforts to help safeguard the region's vital links to the global economy," he said.

"Maritime security operations aimed at ensuring smooth local trade can benefit this region and the world.

"We work closely with regional partners to provide security from mines in international waters so all commercial shipping traffic can operate safely while transiting the region."

The coalition had in the past emphasized that the stability and security of this region, which holds close to 60 percent of the world's proven oil reserves and accounts for almost 30 percent of its oil production, was important to ensure the world's global security and economy.

The two new mine countermeasure ships will replace the recently decommissioned Ospery class coastal mine hunters USS Raven and USS Cardinal, which have been serving in the Gulf since September 2000, and help maintain the current US Navy presence of four mine countermeasure ships in the region.

They will also perform escort duties, direct liaison and joint operations with coalition patrol forces and combatants, according to the US Navy.

This was the third time mine countermeasure ships have been transported overseas via heavy lift to avoid wear and tear on them, with the first one being sent in 1996 and the second in 2000.

The last time there was active mine countermeasures in the region was in March 2003. Prior to that, coalition troops were actively hunting for Iraqi mines during the Gulf war.

Bahrain is home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet command.