Mine warfare forces from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commenced Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX) 2JA 2021 off the coast of northern Japan, July 19. MIWEX 2JA is part of a series of annual exercises between the allied navies designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasure operations in the 7th Fleet area of operations. Participants will train together in mine hunting and prosecution using shipboard mine countermeasure assets and Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) personnel.
During the exercise, participating units will practice unit-level mine warfare tactics to include sweeping, hunting, and mine detection. JMSDF Mine Division 2 and U.S. Navy Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 will work together throughout the exercise to direct mine hunting tasks for U.S. and JMSDF ships. This training will allow all the units to practice communicating and operating in a combined environment and learn to maximize their cumulative mine hunting and prosecution capabilities.
“Maintaining the freedom of navigation in the region is an important part of our mission in 7th Fleet. his bilateral exercise provides an excellent opportunity to work with like-minded partners, and hone our mine countermeasure skills to ensure the safety of maritime traffic. The addition of ExMCM unmanned underwater vehicles in conjunction with traditional countermeasure operations allows further interoperability in the region,” said The Commodore of Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, Capt. Scott Hattaway.
Participating JMSDF units will include Mine Division 2, consisting of JS Bungo (MST 464), JS Uraga (MST 463), JS Hirashima (MSC 601), and JS Awaji (MSO 304). The U.S. units involved in MIWEX 2JA comprise of USS Warrior (MCM 10), ExMCM Company 1-2, and the staff from Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7. MCMRON 7 is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan and consists of USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Pioneer (MCM 9), USS Warrior (MCM 10), and USS Chief (MCM 14) stationed in Sasebo and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 Detachment 2A based in Pohang, Korea.
