 Howling wind and drumming of rotors is all that can be heard from the back of a helicopter as it circles U.S. Navy and Japan maritime self-defense force ships, kicking off the 2JA-2016 Mine Countermeasures Exercise, or MCMX, a bilateral exercise where forces learn from each other and improve. I think working with the U.S. Navy contributes not only to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, but also strengthens the deterrent. Working with other nations builds our friendship and confidence with each other. From senior officers to junior enlisted, the participants realize that the exercise increases each nation's ability to perform MCM operations and improves interoperability. I'm Simon Aaron Spurly, Masawa Air Base, Japan.