U.S., S'pore navies in joint exercise

U.S., S'pore navies in joint exercise

SINGAPORE (AFP): The U.S. and Singapore navies launched joint exercises yesterday to promote cooperation against mine warfare and boost their readiness to protect international shipping, officials said.

The mine counter-measure exercise, codenamed EX Mercury, involves a total of 350 officers and men, with two Japan-based U.S. Navy "Avenger" class vessels, the USS Patriot and USS Guardian, taking part, a Singapore press statement said.

"The threat of naval mines against international shipping is a concern to all maritime nations. This has been clearly demonstrated in recent times," said Col. Jimmy Goh, commander of the Singapore Navy's coastal command.

The merchant sealanes around Singapore are some of the world's busiest.