An AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralizing System (MNS) is hoisted over the side of the mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) for a mine sweeping exercise off San Clemente Island, Calif. The MNS is a tethered remotely-operated unmanned minehunting submersible vehicle installed onboard both the MCM and MHC classes of ships. Once an object has been classified as mine-like by the ship using ship's sonar the MNS is deployed by the ship's crew to examine the object. Using the vehicle's high definition sonar and/or low-light level television camera, the object is identified as a mine or not. If a mine, the MNS can use neutralization devices to render the object harmless by either cutting the mooring cable or placing a device that detonates and destroys the mine. Two consoles in the ship's Combat Information Center are used to pilot and navigate the vehicle. Pioneer is homeported in Ingleside, Texas and is operating near San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 3rd Class Ramon Preciado.