191020-N-AD347-0013 Amakusa, Japan (Oct. 20, 2019) Mineman 2nd Class Shaun Lao, right, helps pick up trash at a beach in Kumamoto Prefecture with other crew members from the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9). Pioneer, part of Mine Countermeasures 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 Lt. j.g. Alexander Fairbanks/Released)