Russia, USA to Hold Anti-Piracy Exercise off Mariana Islands

Pacific Fleet (PF) command and US Navy’s military delegation visiting Vladivostok in Oct 1-4 agreed to conduct joint anti-piracy exercise off Mariana Islands late in Oct, reports RIA Novosti referring to PF Commander’s press secretary Capt 1 rank Roman Martov.

Having finished official visit to PF main base, guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald headed by Capt Brian Mutty left Vladivostok on Oct 4 and laid a course for the high seas.

“During the visit of American warship, the parties talked over scenario of the Pacific Eagle joint anti-terror exercise. It will be conducted in the last decade of October near Mariana Islands; PF task unit led by Guard missile cruiser Varyag is currently heading there. The unit is going to reach Mariana Islands few days prior to maneuvers”, specified the interviewee.

According to him, there will be several episodes at sea including rescue of a crew captured by “terrorists”.

“Visiting Vladivostok, American military delegation paid visits to PF command, Vladivostok mayor, and laid a wreath at the Pacific Fleet Battle Glory Memorial. The visit program also included informal meetings with Russian sailors, friendly soccer game, and sightseeing tours around Vladivostok”, Martov said.

He reiterated that Pacific Fleet servicemen and American sailors had established steady professional relations based on mutual visits and anti-terror exercises; warships of both countries take part in the international anti-piracy campaign in the Gulf of Aden.

Guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald is 12th ship of this class; she was laid down on Feb 9, 1993 and commissioned on Oct 14, 1995. The ship was named after Lt William Fitzgerald (USN), the hero of Vietnam War​ who saved subordinates at the expense of his life. So, the ship’s motto is “Protect Your People”.

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Source: RusNavy, October 05, 2011