U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force complete Mine Warfare Exercise 2JA

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailors watch from the rear hatch of JMSDF mine sweeper tender JS Bungo (MST-464) as ocean mine sweeper JS Awaji (MSO-304) passes during Mine Warfare Exercise 2JA, July 14, 2026. 2JA is part of a year-long series of bilateral exercises between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Jacob Kinnear)