190310-N-XK398-1029 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 10, 2019) Sailors from the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) conduct water checks with a mine neutralization vehicle (NMV) before a mine hunting exercise in the Philippine Sea, March 10, 2019. Pioneer, part of Mine Countermeasure Squadron 7, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response platform for contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)