Very Shallow Water Mine Countermeasures Test Area

This unique, man-made Test Area was constructed to evaluate new systems and their components in a representative surf zone environment (i.e., water depths of 0 to 10 feet). Specifically, the requirement to develop systems for the neutralization of shallow water mines and obstacles generated the need for a test facility to support underwater explosives testing. The Test Area, with up to 20 feet of earth covering a buried polyethylene liner, is designed to accept up to 3,700 pounds of explosives. Other Test Area applications include testing the vulnerability of equipment, vehicles, and personnel to explosive effects; testing new acoustic and navigational technologies; investigating explosive ordnance disposal techniques; and facilitating electro-optics projects.