200721-N-UE100-1055 MUTSU BAY (July 21, 2020) The U.S. Navy mine countermeasures ships USS Pioneer (MCM 9) and USS Patriot (MCM 7), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force mine countermeasures ships JS Etajima (MSC-306), JS Uraga (MST-463), JS Enoshima (MSC-604) and JS Hirado (MSC-305) transit into formation for a photo exercise during Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX) 2JA 2020. MIWEX 2JA is an annual bilateral exercise held between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caleb Strong/Released)