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Northern Eagle 2012 final planning conference opens in Murmansk

Russian and U.S. warships are due to visit the Norwegian port Bodo before the exercises start

MURMANSK, May 22 (Itar-Tass) — The final planning conference of the Northern Eagle 2012 naval exercises due in the Arctic in August opened in Murmansk on Tuesday.

“Delegates of the Russian North Fleet, the U.S. and Norwegian Navies are taking part in the conference,” North Fleet spokesman Capt. 1st Class Vadim Serga said.

“It is planned to practice deterrence of attacks of small-size high-speed boats and air strikes, synchronous communication, protection of ships, joint maneuvering and shipping,” he said.

The first planning conference was held in Naples, Italy, on March 6-8, to set the exercises date and venue. Russian and U.S. warships are due to visit the Norwegian port Bodo before the exercises start.

Northern Eagle exercises have been held thrice, in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Russia and the United States took part in the drills. Norway will join the exercises this year.