The U.S. Navy faces criticism for inadequate funding and attention to sea mine clearing, a crucial defense operation in the Persian Gulf.

Despite the danger of sea mines, experts say that mine clearing has received minimal attention and funding from the U.S. Navy — and it's often overshadowed by more high-profile weapons systems. <img alt="The US Navy" src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6048x4032+0+0/resize/6048x4032!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F91%2Fa7%2Fe6db614e43c28f623cabb49d68e1%2Fgettyimages-2257319344.jpg" /><p>Despite the danger of sea mines, experts say that mine clea...