191120-N-AD347-0040 NICHINAN, Japan (Nov. 20, 2019) Chief Mineman Eric Pierre, middle, conns the ship as the evaluator on the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) 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)