Pakistan Views

Pakistan and US Naval forces began exercise ‘Inspired Union 2008′ in the North Arabian Sea May 11, which will focus on air, surface and anti-submarine training, says a press release issued by US Embassy here on Wednesday.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 US forces participating include Destroyer Squadron 50, and Combined Task Forces 54, 55, and 57. “This exercise provides US and Pakistan forces the opportunity to work together and train across the spectrum of naval disciplines,” said Commander 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.” US and Pakistan forces will conduct the bilateral exercise from May 11 to 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.”"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 US 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.”