About this Unit
Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105 (MIUWU-105) was a United States Navy Reserve unit established as part of the Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare (MIUW) program, designed to provide harbor and coastal surveillance and security. Activated during the Cold War, MIUWU-105 specialized in deploying mobile sensor and communications equipment to monitor and defend against underwater and surface threats in littoral environments. The unit participated in numerous training exercises, supporting fleet operations and joint task forces, and was periodically mobilized for real-world contingencies, including during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. MIUWU-105 was eventually decommissioned as part of broader restructuring within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, but its contributions remain a testament to the adaptability and readiness of Naval Reserve forces.
Historical Facts
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MIUWU-105 Designation: Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 105 (MIUWU-105) was a specialized U.S. Navy Reserve unit tasked with providing mobile surveillance and security of coastal and harbor areas.
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Cold War Origins: The MIUWU program began during the Cold War, as a response to increasing threats to U.S. and allied harbors from enemy submarines, swimmers, and small boats.
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Deployment Capability: MIUWU-105 was capable of rapid deployment anywhere in the world, with equipment and personnel transported by air, sea, or land.
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Equipment: The unit operated from mobile command centers known as "vans," equipped with radar, sonar, communications, and surveillance technology to detect threats both above and below the surface.
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Operation Desert Storm: MIUWU-105 and similar units were mobilized during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical port security and surveillance in the Persian Gulf.
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Reserve Force: MIUWU-105 was primarily manned by Navy Reservists, many of whom brought specialized civilian skills in electronics, communications, and engineering to the unit.
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Harbor Defense: The unit often trained in real-world U.S. ports, providing practical surveillance and defense against simulated attacks, and working closely with Coast Guard and local law enforcement.
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Deactivation: MIUWU Units, including MIUWU-105, were reorganized and eventually decommissioned or merged into other harbor defense units as U.S. Navy force structure evolved in the post-Cold War era.
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Unique Insignia: MIUWU-105, like other MIUWU units, had its own patch and logo, typically featuring maritime symbols and references to undersea warfare.
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Veteran Community: Former members of MIUWU-105 maintain a strong alumni network, sharing stories of deployments, training exercises, and the unique culture of the MIUWU community.
