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

SASEBO, Japan — The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted Mine Warfare Exercise 2JA 2026 off northern Japan in Mutsu Bay from July 9 to 24, advancing combined mine countermeasure proficiency and integration.

Part of an annual series, MINEX 2JA builds on earlier iterations, including MINEX 1JA held Feb. 1–10. Over 15 days, participating forces worked together to clear simulated minefields and practiced unit-level tactics in mine hunting, detection, and neutralization.

“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.”

JMSDF Mine Warfare Force and Commander, Task Force 77 commanders directed coordinated mine hunting, mine sweeping, and mine neutralization tasks, refining communication protocols and tactical procedures in a combined environment.

U.S. participants included the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14), personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, and staff assigned to Mine Countermeasures Group 7. JMSDF units included 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), JS Kuroshima (MSC-692), along with 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.

CTF 77 directs mine countermeasure assets to clear sea mines and ensure the free flow of commerce and freedom of movement for U.S., allied, and partner vessels in peacetime and conflict. The exercise took place within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.