191120-N-AD347-0033 NICHINAN, Japan (Nov. 20, 2019) Lt. Cmdr. Bobby Wayland, commanding officer of the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9), watches his mineman operate the sonar utilizing detection and classification in order to hunt for training mines during 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)