SEVASTOPOL. Nov 9 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukraine and the U.S. began joint naval exercises in the Black Sea off Sevastopol on Tuesday.
The press center of the Ukrainian naval command said that Ukraine's flagship, the Hetman Sahaidachny, and the Kostiantyn Olshansky large landing craft, and the USS La Salle of the United States' 6th Fleet, are taking part in the naval maneuvers.
Robert Clark, Assistant Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, said on board the La Salle, that the U.S. is prepared to share with Ukraine its experience gained in the Active Endeavor anti-terrorist operation in the Mediterranean. The Ukrainian Navy is to join this operation in 2005.
A navigation control operation will be simulated during the current exercise. The Kostiantyn Olshansky will act as the violator. The Hetman Sahaidachny and the La Salle will send inspection teams to the landing craft, which will inspect the ship in order to make sure there are no illegal arms, drugs or migrants aboard.
The two-day exercise will also feature joint maneuvering, communication training, and transfer of cargo on the move.