June 30, 2012 - 11:52 AMT
Russian warships in Pearl Harbor for drills

A group of Russia’s Pacific Fleet warships has arrived at the U.S. Pearl Harbor naval base to take part in the Rim of the Pacific international drills, a fleet spokesman said on Saturday, June 30.

“During their long voyage from Vladivostok to Pearl Harbor, the warships’ crews held several firing drills, successfully destroying all the targets,” First-Rank Captain Roman Martov said.

The active phase of the drills will take place from July 11 through August 2 to involve 45 warships and support vessels from 22 countries, and also 100 combat aircraft and over 20,000 marines.

The Russian navy sailors will for the first time take part in the international naval maneuvers that have been held since 1971.

The drills will simulate dozens of combat missions and exercises, including marines’ interaction in humanitarian, search and rescue operations, RIA Novosti reported.