U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force complete mine warfare exercise 2JA

The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force completed Mine Warfare Exercise 2JA 2026 in Mutsu Bay, off northern Japan, following two weeks of bilateral training held July 9–24 to sharpen mine countermeasure skills and coordination.

The exercise is part of a recurring series designed to improve proficiency and integration between the two forces. It follows an earlier iteration, MINEX 1JA, conducted Feb. 1–10. Over the 15 days at sea, U.S. and Japanese units worked together to clear simulated minefields, practicing mine hunting, detection, and neutralization, while refining communications and tactical procedures in a combined environment.

“It is always an honor and a privilege to work alongside our host-nation partner and continue to build on our powerful relationship within the mine countermeasures community,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Scott G. Wells, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group 7. “We have been conducting the JA series with the JMSDF for decades, and we remain dedicated to advancing our collective capacity in this critical operational capability.”

Commanders from the JMSDF Mine Warfare Force and U.S. Commander, Task Force 77 directed coordinated mine hunting, sweeping, and neutralization tasks to maximize combined maritime capability.

U.S. participants included the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14), personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, and staff from Mine Countermeasures Group 7. The JMSDF contributed the Mogami-class frigate JS Niyodo (FFM-7), Uraga-class minesweeper tender JS Bungo (MST-464), Awaji-class ocean minesweeper JS Awaji (MSO-304), Hirashima-class coastal minesweeper JS Hatsushima (MSC-606), and Sugashima-class coastal minesweepers JS Izushima (MSC-687), JS Aishima (MSC-688), JS Aoshima (MSC-689), JS Miyajima (MSC-690), and JS Kuroshima (MSC-692), as well as diving tender YDT-02. Aerial and operational support came from JMSDF Kawasaki P-1 and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft, MCH-101 mine countermeasures helicopters, and multiple embarked JMSDF explosive ordnance disposal units.

Task Force 77 oversees mine countermeasure operations that keep sea lanes open and ensure freedom of movement for U.S., allied, and partner vessels in both peacetime and conflict. The exercise took place within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations; the fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly trains and operates with allies and partners to help maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.