An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ArticleCS - Article View
NEWS | Aug. 6, 2025

U.S. Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces conduct a joint mine warfare exercise

By Lt. Nicholas Coffin, Mine Countermeasure Group SEVEN

The U.S. Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) completed Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 2JA 2025 off the coast of northern Japan in Mutsu Bay, July 14-28.

MINEX 2JA is part of an annual series of exercises between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations between the two forces. During the fifteen-day exercise, participants worked together to clear waterways through a simulated minefield using unit-level mine warfare tactics to include mine hunting, detection, and neutralization.

 “It is always an honor and a privilege to work with our host nation partners and continue to build on our powerful relationships in the Mine Countermeasures community,” said Capt. Peter W. Haynes, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group SEVEN (MCMGRU 7). “I am excited for another opportunity to perform in a bilateral environment with the JMSDF and continue the strengthening of our interoperability capabilities.”

Together, JMSDF Mine Warfare Force and U.S. Navy MCMGRU 7 commanders directed mine hunting, mine sweeping, and mine neutralization tasks for the participating units. This training allows all units to practice communicating and operating in a joint environment, while maximizing their collective mine countermeasures capability.

Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen detachment, members of the U.S. Marine Corps Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization, and staff assigned to MCMGRU 7 are the U.S. Navy units participating in MINEX 2JA. JMSDF participants include two frigates, two ocean minesweepers, two minesweeper tenders, six coastal minesweepers, Kawasaki P-1 and P-3C aircraft, two mine countermeasures helicopters (MCH) and multiple embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units

MCMGRU 7 directs mine countermeasure assets in the clearance of sea mines to ensure free flow of commerce by sea and freedom of movement of U.S., allies, and partner nation ships and auxiliaries, in peacetime and in conflict.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, which routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Translate
 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, www.c7f.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.