Russian-US naval manoeuvres in Pacific

Moscow, Sept 23: Anti-submarine operations and minesweeping will be the focus of the 'Pacific Eagle-07' exercise, which marks the third joint venture of the Russian and US navies in the Pacific Ocean this year.

The US Navy's contingent, comprising an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) and minesweeper USS Patriot (MCM 7), will arrive at Vladivostok tomorrow for the three-day exercise, beginning on September 28. The Russian Navy will be represented by the Udaloy-class destroyer Admiral Panteleyev.

The exercises will also include interception of a vessel trespassing in territorial waters and a sea-rescue operation, RIA Novosti quoted a spokesman for the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet spokesman as saying.

''It is the third meeting of the Russian and American sailors this year, which has two goals - further development of naval cooperation in thee Asia-Pacific region and the joint naval exercises Pacific Eagle-2007,'' the spokesman said.

UNI