[2] In the early 1980s, the U.S. Navy began development of a new mine countermeasures (MCM) force, which included two new classes of ships and minesweeping helicopters.

These ships use sonar and video systems, cable cutters and a mine-detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control.

As of 2012, eight Avengers were forward-based: four at Sasebo, Japan with standing crews, and four at Manama, Bahrain, with ten ships' companies on rotational deployments.

[3] In March 2012, the USN announced plans to deploy another four MCMs to Bahrain to counter potential Iranian threats to mine the Strait of Hormuz reflecting increasing tensions between the United States and Iran over the latter's nuclear program.

Precision maneuvering capability is provided by a 345 horsepower (257 kW) Omnithruster hydrojet (powered by Solar (Caterpillar Inc) Magnetic Marine Gas Turbine Generator).

While no scenes appear on board the ship, it is shown in a photo posted in the courtroom, and much of the dialog involves the typical missions and capabilities of Avenger Class MCMs.