Mines are classified according to their delivery method, the position they assume in the water, their method of actuation, and their use. When classified according to the position they assume in the water, they are either bottom mines, moored mines, or drifting mines. Service mines are the mines available in the U.S. Navy stockpile for operational use. The MK 50 series mines, formerly operation service mines, are now classified as exercise and training. No platform in the U.S. Navy has been designed with mine delivery as its primary warfare task, however mines can in fact be delivered by aircraft, submarines, and, to a limited extent, surface ships.
Many attack submarines can also deliver mines.
The Navy has a primary responsibility to develop and test mines and delivery techniques and to organize, train, and equip forces to conduct minelaying operations using surface, subsurface, and aerial techniques. The Air Force has a collateral function to train forces for the conduct of aerial minelaying operations. The U.S. must prepare minefield plans for all geographic locations where a mining requirement exists. These plans must consider the availability and quantity by type of mine stocks that will possess the greatest threat for a given time. Minelaying forces must be maintained in a state of readiness to conduct immediate mining operations when directed.