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

From left, U.S. Navy Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force coastal mine sweepers JS Miyajima (MSC-690) and JS Kuroshima (MSC-692) conduct a group sail during Mine Warfare Exercise 2JA, July 20, 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)