MIWEX 3JA is a part of an annual collection of workouts between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF designed to extend proficiency in mine countermeasure operations between the 2 forces.
“I’m proud to be working with our Japanese companions to enhance our interoperability and proficiency in mine countermeasure operations,” mentioned Capt. Michael O’Neill, commodore of Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 (MCMRON 7).
Through the six-day train, members labored collectively to clear a simulated minefield utilizing unit-level mine warfare techniques to incorporate mine looking, detection, and neutralization.
JMSDF Mine Warfare Power and MCMRON 7 commanders labored collectively all through the train to direct mine-hunting duties for U.S. and JMSDF items.
“The keystone tenet to efficiently reply to potential Indo-Pacific space of accountability battle is reinforcing army relations with Allies,” mentioned Lt. Cmdr. Aaron A. Jochimsen, the commanding officer of the avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9). “Bilateral workouts, equivalent to 3JA, permit america and Japan to hone expertise that guarantee our coordinated response to a possible mine menace will permit us to seek out and neutralize mines that preserve the ocean traces of communication open.”
This coaching allowed all of the items to follow speaking and working in a mixed atmosphere and maximize their cumulative mine looking functionality. This train elevated their tactical and working proficiency whereas strengthening bonds between U.S. and JMSDF mine countermeasure belongings.
Eighteen ships from the JMSDF Mine Warfare Power participated, together with a minesweeper tender, one minesweeper, and fourteen mine hunters, supported by one mine countermeasures helicopter and a number of embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) items.
U.S. forces included the employees from MCMRON 7, EOD Cell Unit Mine Countermeasures Firm 11-2, USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Pioneer (MCM 9) and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM 14), Detachment 2A. Roughly 300 U.S. personnel participated.
MCMRON 7 is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and consists of USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Pioneer (MCM 9), USS Warrior (MCM 10), USS Chief (MCM 14), and HM-14 Detachment 2A.
