US and Japanese forces conduct training in the Sea of Japan to strengthen mine countermeasures.

From July 14 to 28, 2025, the United States Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted the 2025 edition of the 2JA mine warfare exercise in Mutsu Bay, northern Japan. This annual training aims to enhance proficiency in mine countermeasure operations between the two navies. Over fifteen days, participating units worked together to clear navigation routes through a simulated minefield, employing unit-level tactics for mine detection, hunting, and neutralization.
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The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) arrives in Japan (Picture source: US DoD)

Captain Peter W. Haynes, commander of Mine Countermeasures Group SEVEN, emphasized the value of operating in a bilateral environment with the JMSDF to strengthen interoperability. The commands of the JMSDF Mine Warfare Force and MCMGRU 7 jointly directed mine hunting, sweeping, and neutralization operations. The exercise enabled participants to practice communication and maneuvering in a joint operational setting while improving their collective mine countermeasure capabilities.

On the U.S. side, participants included the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, a detachment from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen, specialists from the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization team, and MCMGRU 7 staff. Built with non-magnetic materials to reduce its signature and withstand underwater explosions, USS Warrior is equipped with high-resolution sonar systems and remotely operated underwater vehicles such as the Mk 18 MOD I, allowing it to detect, identify, and neutralize mines in both littoral and open-sea environments. Its armament, primarily for self-defense, includes a remotely operated 25 mm gun, 12.7 mm machine guns, and electronic detection and jamming systems. These features make it a specialized platform for securing maritime routes rather than an offensive combat vessel.

The JMSDF deployed two frigates, two ocean-going minesweepers, two minesweeper tenders, six coastal minesweepers, Kawasaki P-1 and P-3C aircraft, two mine countermeasure helicopters, and several embarked explosive ordnance disposal teams.

Mine Countermeasures Group SEVEN coordinates mine countermeasure assets to ensure the free flow of commercial shipping and the movement of allied and partner vessels in both peacetime and conflict. The U.S. 7th Fleet, the largest forward-deployed fleet in the U.S. Navy, regularly operates with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The 2025 edition of the MINEX 2JA exercise implemented a range of capabilities from detection to mine neutralization in a bilateral framework, while reinforcing joint procedures between U.S. and Japanese forces for the security of maritime routes in the region.