 USS Pioneer went underway to put training into practice as they completed several minesweeping certifications. So we did every kind of a mine warfare evolution the ship can do. We did everything from mine hunting to mine neutralization to mechanical and influence sweeping. With the type and locations of mines being unknown, minesweepers are relatively small ships that are equipped with several tools to safely get the job done. Miners may be small, but they have a very important mission, play a very big role in the grand scheme of things. Before the bigger ships can go in and do their mission, before the marines can go in and storm the beaches, minesweepers have to go in, clear a safe path to travel for them. Petty Officer Zachary Hale, Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan.