U.S. to host world's largest maritime exercises with 27 countries

PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Navy says 27 nations will participate in the world's largest maritime exercises in coming weeks, the Associated Press reports.

This is an all-time high for the Rim of the Pacific exercises, which date to 1971. The drills are held every two years.

The Navy's 3rd Fleet will host the exercises in and around Hawaii and Southern California for five weeks beginning June 30. The exercises will feature 45 ships, five submarines and more than 200 aircraft. More than 25,000 personnel will participate.

Brazil, Denmark, Germany and Italy are joining for the first time. China is sending ships to participate for the second time this year.

A Canadian admiral will serve as deputy commander and a Japanese admiral will be vice commander, AP says.