Saturday, September 9 2006 12:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: US and Pakistani navies are conducting more than two weeks of joint exercises aimed at building international counter-terrorism preparedness and cooperation on the seas in the North Arabian Sea and in the territorial waters of Pakistan.

The bilateral exercises are aimed at enhancing tactical proficiency and interoperability between coalition and regional forces, according to a Navy statement. If successful, these manoeuvres may serve as the foundation for regional maritime security operations in support of the global war on terror.

The idea would be to deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack, as well as to transport personnel, weapons, and other material, the navy says.

The naval operations are part of 'Inspired Union 2006', which focuses on training in maritime security operations, amphibious operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, air defence, electronic warfare, explosive ordnance disposal and command and control, according to the US Navy public affairs office at US Central Command in Florida. The exercises began Sep 4 and will conclude Sep 21.

Scheduled to participate in the exercises are the Pakistani naval vessels Shahjahan and Babur (both destroyers), Moawin (a tanker), and Saad (an attack submarine). The US Navy has dispatched the USS Nicholas (a frigate), USS McFaul (a destroyer) and USS Albuquerque (a nuclear-powered submarine).

Also taking part will be the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Six. USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, USS Iwo Jima (an amphibious assault ship) Expeditionary Strike Group and maritime patrol aircraft from both nations will provide any necessary support, according to the navy.

According to the navy statement, these exercises give US and Pakistani forces opportunities "to refine their conduct of combined maritime security operations", while also working on amphibious operations, anti-submarine, surface and electronic warfare, explosive ordnance disposal and command and control.

The exercises serve as 'an excellent training opportunity' to become more proficient tactically and to improve the interoperability of US and Pakistani forces to deter international terrorist organisations from using the maritime environment.

Coalition maritime forces regularly operate and conduct maritime security exercises throughout the international waters of the Northern Arabian Sea. Pakistan and coalition partners contribute maritime forces such as ships, boarding teams, maritime patrol aircraft, intelligence analysts and other staff to support maritime security operations.

Successful exercises benefit both nations, according to the statement. The US improves its likelihood of success in conducting coalition maritime security operations.

Regional governments and coalition partners also benefit in interoperability, intelligence sharing and assisting with deterrence against international terrorist organisations that pose a threat to their countries.