250520-N-N2420-1001

SEA OF JAPAN (May 20, 2025) Naval Aircrewman - Helicopter 2nd Class Michael Russo and Naval Aircrewman - Helicopter 3rd Class Dylan Higginson, both assigned to the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, stream a MK 103 Mechanical Mine Sweeping System from an MH-53E Sea Dragon off the coast of southern Japan during Integrated Battle Problem 25.5, May 20, 2025. Exercises such as Integrated Battle Problem allow the Navy to demonstrate unmanned system operations in relevant experiment scenarios in order to meet service level objectives and operationalize unmanned systems and capabilities to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, which routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Naval Aircrewman - Helicopter Bradley Caldbeck)