170725-N-ON977-0025 MUTSU BAY, Japan (July 25, 2017) Members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) prepare for a diving operation with EOD technicians assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 in Japan’s Mutsu Bay during the 2JA 2017 Mine Countermeasure Exercise (2JA MCMEX) July 25, 2017. 2JA MCMEX is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alfred A. Coffield/Released)