ISE BAY, Japan (Feb. 9, 2021) Explosive ordnance disposal technicians deployed with Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) transit across Ise Bay in combat rubber raiding crafts to recover a training mine during Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 1JA 2021 as the JMSDF minesweeper tender JS Bungo (MST 464) looks on. MINEX 1JA is part of an annual series of exercises between the U.S. Navy and JMFDF designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations and enhance the freedom of maritime navigation. 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)