The Royal Navy is to take part in a five-nation exercise involving 38 ships, 200 aircraft and about 18,000 men off the California coast from March 2 to 12.

Eight Royal Navy ships approaching the end of a nine-month deployment to the Indian Ocean, Far East, and the Pacific will join naval forces from the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The exercise is called Valiant Heritage in recognition of the long-standing spirit of co-operation and mutual support among the countries involved.

The British force, commanded by Rear-Admiral J. D. E. Fieldhouse, Flag Officer Second Flotilla, comprises the guided missile destroyer HMS Glamorgan, the frigates HMS Berwick, Plymouth, Llandaff and Rothesay, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries Tidespring, Gold Rover and Tarbatness.

Directed by the Commander of the United States Third Fleet, the exercise is designed to test and improve combat readiness in all aspects of modern naval warfare.

Operations will include anti-submarine warfare, air defence, re-arming and replenishment at sea, carrier operation, missile firings at the Pacific Missile Test Center, and air attacks against participating ships.