170928-N-IO414-082 SASEBO, Japan (Sept. 28, 2017) Mineman 3rd Class Jacob Hudgins, from Gates County, N.C., assigned to the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7), speaks with Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, during a tour of the ship. Sawyer, who assumed command of U.S. 7th Fleet in early September, is visiting Sasebo-based ships as part of a region-wide effort to engage with Sailors as well as increase awareness of each unit's assigned missions and readiness to meet those missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Jordan Crouch/Released)