YOKOSUKA, Japan— USS Pioneer (MCM 9), forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, made a goodwill port visit to Uki, Kumamoto, Japan on October 18, 2019.

Pioneer, commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Bobby Wayland, is an Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship and is 68.3 meters in length. The ship displaces approximately 1,300 tons with a crew size of approximately 80.

While in Uki, the crew is looking forward to meeting citizens, sightseeing, shopping, enjoying the local cuisine and cultural attractions and learning more about the scenic and historic area of Uki, Japan.

Photo Caption: UKI, Japan (October 18, 2019) - Kindergarteners from Uki, Japan give a musical performance on Wadaiko, a type of traditional Japanese drums for the crew of the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9) during a port visit to Uki, Oct. 18, 2019. Pioneer, part of Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response platform for contingency operations.