U.S., Israel, Turkey in Joint Exercise
The Associated Press, HAIFA, Israel (AP) - Israeli, Turkish and U.S. naval vessels conducted a joint exercise off the Israeli coast Wednesday, annual maneuvers aimed at honing sea rescue skills.

As in the past, neighboring countries declined invitations to take part as observers.

The joint maneuvers had been planned more than a year and had no connection to the possibility of a U.S. strike against Iraq, said Capt. Ron Ben-Yehuda, who commanded the Israeli ships in the exercise.

"The exercises are not intended to improve coordination during a military battle," Ben-Yehuda said, speaking from the deck of the Israeli naval ship "Hanit" during the exercise, noting that the focus was humanitarian.

The fifth annual "Reliant Mermaid" exercise involved three Israeli ships, two Turkish vessels and one American ship, along with ship-borne helicopters and other aircraft.

Israel and Turkey have beenforging a military-related alliance in recent years. Israel has been upgrading Turkish aircraft in multi-million-dollar contracts.

Israeli fighter planes have trained in Turkish air space since 1996. The United States is Israel's closest ally.