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

U.S. Navy Sailors from Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14) drive a rigid-hull inflatable boat towards the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ocean mine sweeper JS Awaji (MSO-304) 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)