170724-N-ON977-0142 MUTSU BAY, Japan (July 24, 2017) Explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) observe as a JMSDF service member exits an MH-53 helicopter assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 during the 2JA Mine Countermeasure Exercise in Japan’s Mutsu Bay. The annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is designed to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alfred A. Coffield/Released)