Mine clearing during the Iraqi campaign was performed by four American mine sweepers that are permanently stationed in Bahrain, and six British mine British minesweepers (plus a larger mother ship) that arrived for the campaign. In addition, there were several MH-53 helicopters brought in, that towed  sonar equipment through the water to map the sea bottom. These maps indicated possible mines. There were also some teams of divers and EOD (bomb disposal) detachments. The MH-53s could also tow equipment through the water to detonate magnetic and acoustic mines. But the deadlier pressure mines had to be carefully spotted and blown up using minesweepers.