YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85) will join Russian Federation Navy (RFN) forces to conduct Exercise Pacific Eagle 2011 (PE-11) Oct. 13-15.
The exercise is conducted to improve the U.S. Navy and RFN maritime relationship. This exercise consists of a series of maritime activities during two phases: an in-port phase in Guam and an at-sea phase in the Philippine Sea. Events will likely include naval ship maneuvering and communications drills at-sea and various seminars and subject matter exchange discussions. Additionally, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief may be a component of the exercise while in Guam.
Along with the participation of Fitzgerald and McCampbell, U.S. Navy forces include a contingent from Destroyer Squadron 15. In total, approximately 500 U.S. Navy personnel will participate.
The Russian Pacific Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. This exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors and we hope to be able to continue this process over time.
The United States and Russia share common interests in the Pacific, including weapons of mass destruction counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. These areas of strategic alignment are the focus of military-to-military cooperation in the future. Events like this are part of building the friendship and respect between the navies of the United States and Russia.