A U.S. Navy boat is lowered to the sea from the deck of the USS Ponce, a floating base to support mine countermeasure operations, in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. More than 30 nations are participating in an exercise responding to simulated sea-mine attacks in international waters _ a demonstration of international resolve to ensure maritime security in the strategic but volatile region. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)
