Russia,U.S. to hold naval anti-terror exercises

Russian missile cruiser Varyag

VLADIVOSTOK, October 4 (RIA Novosti)

The Russian and the United States navies will carry out joint anti-terrorism exercises in late October near the Mariana Islands, a Russian Pacific Fleet spokesman said.

Exercise Pacific Eagle will simulate Russian and U.S. ships liberating a vessel seized by terrorists.

The U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald, which will take part in the drills, left Russian Far Eastern port of Vladivostok on Tuesday after a four-day port visit.

"The scenario of the upcoming Pacific Eagle anti-terrorism exercises was discussed in detail during the Fitzgerald's visit," Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov said, adding Russian will send Pacific Fleet vessels including the guided missile cruiser Varyag to the exercise.

USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Named after Vietnam War hero U.S. Navy Lt. William Charles Fitzgerald, it was laid down on February 9, 1993 and commissioned on October 14, 1995.

U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald