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YOKOSUKA, Japan— USS Patriot (MCM 7), forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, will make a brief goodwill port visit to Otaru, Hokkaido beginning 11 July 2022. The mine countermeasures ship, commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence Hanks, is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship 68 meters in length, with a crew size of approximately 80 personnel. While in Otaru, the crew is looking forward to opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, enjoying the local cuisine and cultural attractions; and learning more about the scenic and historic area of Hokkaido, Japan.
