MUTSU BAY (July 23, 2020) Sailors aboard Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) mine sweeper tender JS Uraga (MST-463) wave at sailors aboard mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) upon conclusion of 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 (JMSDF) to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caleb Strong)