191119-N-AD347-0029 NICHINAN, Japan (Nov. 19, 2019) Commanding officer of Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) Lt. Cmdr. Bobby Wayland, right middle, talks about Nichinan city with the Chief of Nichinan Police, Mihara Takeshi, back left, during office calls prior to Mine Warfare Exercise 3JA 2019. Pioneer, part of Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, is operating in the 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)