Japan and US Linking Up For Mine Warfare Exercise

Ships from the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will soon be teaming up for a bilateral mine warfare exercise.

The activities will be the latest iteration of an annual series of exercises between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Defense Force (JMSDF) designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasure (MCM) operations between the two forces.

As per a recent JMSDF press statement, this year’s joint exercise will be carried out in Ise Bay, off the coast of southwestern Japan, from February 1-10.

Rear Admiral Izuru Ikeuchi, Mine Warfare Force Commander, will lead the Japanese assets taking part, which will include one of its six Mogami-class multi-purpose frigates, one of its two Uraga-class mine countermeasures (MCM) support ships, eight of its 11 Sugashima-class minesweepers and a submarine, along with two MCH-101 helicopters.

The American participants will include members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, based in Naval Base Guam. The U.S. will also be deploying a number of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Activities undertaken during the exercise will include mine-laying, mine sweeping, mine hunting and EOD.

• You can read further details on the JMSDF website