170726-N-HE318-022 MUTSU BAY, Japan (July 26, 2017) Sailors assigned to the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) deploy a battle space profile in Mutsu Bay, Japan, during 2JA 2017 Mine Countermeasures Exercise. The annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and Japanese 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 William McCann/Released)