170721-N-HE318-158 MUTSU, Japan (July 21, 2017) Sailors aboard the mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) deploy a Mark 36 inert bottom-line shape in Mutsu Bay during 2JA 2017 Mine Countermeasures Exercise (2JA-17 MCMEX). 2JA Mine Countermeasures Exercise is an annual bilateral exercise held between the U.S. Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William McCann/Released)