An S-3B Viking, assigned to the "Scouts" of Sea Control Squadron Two Four (VS-24), is launched from the bow of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the Persian Gulf (Reuters/Nathan Laird/U.S. Navy photo)
U.S., Allies To Stage Naval Exercise In Gulf Energy Shipping Hub -- Reuters
(Reuters) - The United States and its allies are preparing for naval exercises in the Gulf energy export hub that will include minesweeping and escorting commercial ships in a region where Iran is seen as a threat both to trade and security.
Forty-one countries are taking part in the two-week International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX-13) to practice minesweeping and protecting ports and energy installations in the Gulf.
Vice Admiral John Miller, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said on Monday the annual exercise was an "opportunity to enhance international naval capability to preserve freedom of navigation in international waterways.
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