U.S. Navy eyes Caribbean marine security with new exercises

U.S. Navy eyes Caribbean marine security with new exercises
Published: May 26, 2010 at 6:07 PM

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has begun extensive naval exercises in the Caribbean to train local forces into marine security issues in response to recent developments in international waters, particularly piracy in East Africa and Latin American countries' buildup of coastal defenses.

Part of the exercise involves deployment of Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp, HSV 2 Swift, a Mobile Diving Salvage Unit and training of divers from the region.

The monthlong exercises are to continue to late June and will take U.S. forces and collaborators to Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, the Commonwealth of Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The exercises are part of a 5-month naval deployment throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America called High Speed Vessel-Southern Partnership Station.

More:
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/05/26/US-Navy-eyes-Caribbean-marine-security-with-new-exercises/UPI-67231274911663/