US, Japan start mine countermeasures exercise

From Update.Ph (Jul 17): US, Japan start mine countermeasures exercise


USS Patriot (MCM 7). US Navy photo

The United States and Japan mine countermeasures (MCM) units start today, July 12 the 2016 Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX) 2JA. According to 7th Fleet, MCMEX 2JA is an annual bilateral exercise held between the US and Japan to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations.

US and Japanese mine countermeasures (MCM) units will practice unit-level mine countermeasures tactics to include sweeping, hunting, helicopter casting, and neutralization using remotely operated vehicles, sonar, and sweep gear.

Moreover, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel will conduct dive operations from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, US Navy ships and MH-60S helicopters in support of mine countermeasures efforts.

MCMEX 2JA will end in a combined phase in which US and JMSDF will coordinate and communicate to clear a route for ships through a simulated minefield in one of the designated exercise areas.

“We are looking forward to working again and learning from our Japanese counterparts,” said Capt. Jim Miller, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7. “Mine countermeasures remains a critical capability in this dynamic theater. And this exercise will pay dividends in increasing our ability to execute these types of missions.”

US units participating include Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, and staff from Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7.

http://www.update.ph/2016/07/us-japan-start-mine-countermeasures-exercise/7652