USS Guardian (MCM 5)

The mine countermeasures ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) departs its forward-deployed base in Sasebo, Japan, for a patrol. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin/Released)

USS Guardian (MCM 5)

The mine countermeasures ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) conducts an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) (not pictured). (Photo: U.S. Navy/Released)

USS Guardian (MCM 5)

The Sasebo-based mine warfare ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) pulls into Port Sonai for a two-day port visit while supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet’s interoperability and training commitments. Yonaguni, part of Okinawa Prefecture, is a small island located at the end of the Ryukyu Islands chain. Guardian and USS Patriot’s (MCM 7) port call marked the first time a Navy vessel visited the island since the United States. returned Okinawa to Japan in 1972. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan C. McGinley)

USS Guardian (MCM 5)

At sea for a day, the mine countermeasure ship USS Guardian (MCM 5) steams out of Sasebo Bay in search of open seas in which to conduct shipboard training exercises. Guardian is forward deployed to Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan. (Photo: U.S. Navy /Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jonathan R. Kulp)