191021-N-AD347-0003 UKI, Japan (Oct. 21, 2019) The Kumamoto Japan-America Society tours 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)