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U.S., Pakistan Forces Strengthen Ties During Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080514-20
Release Date: 5/14/2008 4:30:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Central Command Public Affairs

USS CURTS, At Sea (NNS) -- Pakistan and U.S. Naval forces began Exercise Inspired Union 2008 in the North Arabian Sea May 11, focusing on air, surface and anti-submarine training.

Pakistan forces from PNS Badr (D 184), PNS Shahjahan (D 186), PNS Nasr (A-47), and Pakistan Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal are participating in the bilateral exercise along with Sailors from USS Curts (FFG 38), and USS Ross (DDG 71). Other U.S. forces participating include Destroyer Squadron 50, and Combined Task Forces 54, 55, and 57.

"This exercise provides U.S. and Pakistan forces the opportunity to work together and train across the spectrum of naval disciplines," said Cmdr. Yvette Davids, Curts' commanding officer. "Inspired Union will improve the interoperability and tactical proficiency between our two nations and will enhance our navies' effectiveness in supporting maritime security objectives."

U.S. and Pakistan forces will conduct the bilateral exercise from May 11- 21 as part of regional Maritime Security Operations (MSO). Inspired Union consists of two phases. The first phase will focus on air, surface, electronic warfare and subsurface exercises while the second phase will concentrate on explosive ordnance disposal training.

"The importance of Inspired Union cannot be minimized," said Davids. "It is an opportunity to further develop our relationship with a very important partner that shares a similar commitment and desire for global maritime security. Exercises like these demonstrate our mutual respect for each other's contributions to the overall effort and our commitment to building a stronger relationship."

Pakistan is an integral member of the Coalition and has commanded Combined Task Force 150 twice, most recently from November 2007 through February 2008. Coalition Maritime Forces (CMF) regularly operates and exercises throughout international waters in the North Arabian Sea to conduct Maritime Security Operations.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for Curts to visit Karachi during a three-day port visit. The visit offered the crew an opportunity to plan for Inspired Union, conduct cultural exchanges, and engage in sporting events with their Pakistani Navy counterparts.

"This is the first visit by a U.S. ship to Karachi since September 2006 and we are grateful for the opportunity to visit Pakistan," said Davids. "Visits by U.S. Navy ships symbolize the continued friendship and partnerships between countries and military services – it allows us to increase our cooperative engagement and exemplifies our commitment to building trust and confidence among friends worldwide."

MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attach or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Curts, homeported in San Diego, is part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. USS Ross, homeported in Norfolk, is part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group. Both are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting operations that are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.