U.S., Japan naval forces complete Mine Warfare Exercise 1JA 2026

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) EOD teams launch from the Uraga-class mine countermeasure vessel JS Bungo (MST-464) during unmanned underwater vehicle operations as part of Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 1JA, Feb. 2, 2026. MINEX 1JA is part of a year-long series of bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mineman Chris Gonzales Bouton)