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

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force explosive ordnance disposal sailors conduct mine countermeasure diving operations near JMSDF ocean mine sweeper JS Awaji (MSO-304) during Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 2JA, July 14, 2026. 2JA is part of a year-long series of bilateral exercises between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force MSDF to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Jacob Kinnear)