ISE BAY, Japan (Feb. 1, 2021) Explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 prepare board the combat rubber raiding craft with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) minesweeper tender JS Uraga (MST 463) during Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 1JA 2021. MINEX 1JA is part of an annual series of exercises between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations. During the nine-day exercise, participants conduct unit-level mine warfare tactics to include mine hunting, detection, and prosecution. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)