OMINATO, Japan - U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) mine countermeasures (MCM) units, along with an Indian Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team began an annual MCM exercise near Ominato, July 18.

This year, Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2JA includes U.S. Navy, JMSDF, and Indian Navy forces. The exercise strengthens interoperability and increases proficiencies in mine countermeasures operations among regional allies and partners.

"This exercise allows us to flex our mine countermeasure muscles and improve interoperability with our JMSDF and Indian Navy teammates," said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. "The mine countermeasure mission is hugely important to both military and civilian shipping from all nations in the Indo-Pacific region and keeping waterways clear of mine threats is fundamental to national security and the free flow of trade."

During the exercise, participating units will practice unit-level mine countermeasures tactics to include using sonar equipment to detect mines. Explosive ordnance disposal unit personnel will conduct dive operations in support of mine countermeasures efforts.

The exercise will culminate in a combined phase in which U.S. Navy and JMSDF will coordinate and communicate to ensure a safe route through simulated mines in one of the designated exercise areas.

U.S. Navy units participating include USS Chief (MCM 14), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, and staff from Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7.

Participating JMSDF assets include Mine Warfare Force (MWF); Commander, Mine Division 2 (CMD2); minesweeper tender JS Uraga (MST 463); two mine-sweep ocean ships JS Awaji (MSO 304) and JS Hirado (MSO 305); fifteen mine-sweep coastal ships; Helicopter Mine Warfare Squadron 111; four P-3C patrol aircraft and one P-1 patrol aircraft.