IWAKUNI, Japan (May 12, 2021) The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7), forward-deployed to Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni for a scheduled port visit, May 12, 2021. With an organic port facility, and serving as host to Marine Air Group 12, Carrier Air Wing Five, and Fleet Air Wing 31, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security and the US-Japan alliance. Patriot is assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response platform for contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Darien Wright)