151118-N-BJ294-011 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 18, 2015) USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) prepares to conduct well deck operations during U.S.-U.K. Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX). U.S.-U.K. MCMEX is designed to improve interoperability and evolve the expeditionary mine countermeasures company concept of employment from an afloat forward staging base and afloat platforms of opportunity. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wyatt Huggett/Released)