Special to WorldTribune.com
The U.S. Navy has introduced new technology to the world’s largest maritime exercise.
![Sailors prep an underwater drone. /U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Bryce Bruns](https://www.worldtribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/RHIB-UUV-300x199.jpg)
Underwater drones and the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County will be included for the first time in the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX), led by the Bahrain-based U.S. Fifth Fleet.
The exercise got underway on April 4 and concludes on April 26.
“These participating nations (more than 30) are united by a common thread — the need to protect the free flow of commerce from a range of maritime threats including piracy, terrorism and mines,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in a statement.
“This region provides a strong training opportunity for nations worldwide as three of the six major maritime chokepoints in the world are here: the Suez Canal, the Strait of Bab Al Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The exercise will include mine countermeasures, diving operations, small-boat exercises, maritime security operations coordinated with industrial and commercial shipping and port clearance operations, the Navy said.