On Monday a naval squadron attached to Russia’s Pacific Fleet (PF) is to arrive at the Maizuru Naval Base on the coast of Honshu Island. The squadron consists of the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Vinogradov, the tanker Irkut, and the salvage tug Kalar.
An officer at the headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force told Itar-Tass that the PF ships would participate in a joint search-and-rescue operation in the area of the port of Maiuzuru on December 18 and 20. The PF squadron is under the command of Captain 1st Rank Andrei Kuznetsov.
On the Japanese side, the exercises will involve the guided missile destroyer Shirane, the missile boat Hayabusa, and auxiliary vessels. The squadron is commanded by Captain 1st Rank Yoshihiro Gok.
In the process of the exercises it is expected to drill cooperative action in an exchange of signals and in operations to rescue those in distress. Such joint training exercises will be held now for a 14th time. The peculiarity of the present exercises will be in drilling actions to inspect a ship suspected of piracy.
Earlier this year, the Defence Ministries of Russia and Japan also agreed to hold special joint naval exercises in the area of the Gulf of Aden. They will be devoted exclusively to drilling interaction in the conduct of anti-piracy and counterterrorist operations.
Voice of Russia
Via: http://voiceofrussia.com/
