Joint Pakistan-US naval exercise begins in Arabian sea
Pakistan Times National News Desk

KARACHI: Pakistan and US Navies will conduct a 10-day joint naval exercise in the North Arabian sea, starting from Monday.

A press conference in this regard was held onboard US ship KAUFFMAN Monday, wherein Commodore Hank Miranda of US Navy and Commodore Azhar Hayat of Pakistan Navy gave details of the exercise to the mediamen and responded to their queries.

The exercise, which would last for 10 days, has been named as "Inspired Union-2005." It was a combination of inspired siren and inspired response -- two bilateral exercises conducted annually between US and Pakistan Navy force.

The exercise focuses on training in anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, mine counter measures, air defence, electronic warfare, replenishment at sea and command and control.

Inspired Union 2005 would provide an opportunity to US and Pakistan navies to refine inter operability and tactical proficiency between coalition and regional forces which might be used as part of regional maritime security operations.

This would also develop the skills to deter terrorists acts using the maritime environment.

Responding to a question, Captain Miranda said two US Navy frigates, a submarine and several air assets would participate in the exercise in addition to Pakistan Navy ships, submarines, special services unit and aircraft.

To another query, he responded that such exercises had also been conducted in the past in blue waters. The exercise would prove to be beneficial for both the navies and would provide a wonderful platform to learn from each others' experiences.

The press conference was also attended by the commanding Officers of participating Pakistan and US Navy ships.●