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 return to the Uraga-class mine countermeasure vessel JS Bungo (MST-464) after completing unmanned underwater vehicle operations during 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 Minemen Chris Gonzales Bouton)