160712-N-YG104-002 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2016) The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) conducts small boat operations off the coast of Japan. Patriot, part of the Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 and Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, is en route to work with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force counterparts during the Mine Countermeasure Exercise 2JA. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Commander Joe Hamilton/Released)