NICHINAN, Japan (Nov. 23, 2020) The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) participates in Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 3JA 2020 off the coast of southwestern Japan. MINEX 3JA is part of an annual series of exercises between the U.S. Navy and allied navies designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Bryan Newkirk)