Vessels from both the U.S. Navy and the People's Republic of China's People's Liberation Army Navy conduced a joint exercise off the coast of Florida.

The training event was a group sail and passing exercise, and marked the first visit to Florida by the People's Liberation Army Navy [PLA(N)]. For the exercise, PLA(N) committed three ships, including Jiangkai II-class frigate Yiyang, Luyang II-class destroyer Jinan, and Fuchi-class oiler Qindaohu. The U.S. Navy committed ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Stout and USS Mason, and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Monterery.

"The purpose of this exercise was to foster international maritime cooperation between our Navies," Lt. j.g. Lisa Lacross said in a statement on the exercise. "The PASSEX was executed well by all parties involved and allowed us to demonstrate a variety of seamanship skills."

The exercise allowed both naval forces to work on navigation and maneuvering in formation, while also building a working relationship between Chinese and U.S. naval personnel. The group sailing event came as ships assigned to DESRON 26 prepare for deployment in 2016.

"What a unique opportunity to conduct a PASSEX with the Chinese Navy as part of our own routine training off the coast of Florida, " DESRON 26 Commodore Capt. Brian Fort said. "The Sailors aboard Mason, Monterey and Stout will be able to tell their family and friends that they did something that was a first

Chinese navy visits Cuba, amid Havana-Washington thaw
Havana (AFP) Nov 10, 2015 - A Chinese naval flotilla arrived in Cuba Tuesday to bolster close military ties between the two Communist-ruled allies, its commander Wang Jianxun said.

"This is the first time a (Chinese) military flotilla has come to the island," Wang said at the Port of Havana.

And it is really "a chance to strengthen ties between the navies and armed forces of both countries."

Cuba and China "share ideals and a shared independent development path aimed at building socialism," he said in a report in Cuban official media. The visit had not been announced earlier in state media.

Three vessels took part in the flotilla, but did not discharge artillery fire as is often the case with visiting flotillas.

China is a key political ally of Cuba, and its number-two trade partner after Venezuela. Beijing also is one of the few sources of credit available to cash-strapped Havana.

The visit comes as former Cold War foes the United States and Cuba work on normalizing ties. The neighbors across the Florida Straits renewed their diplomatic relations in July after a 50-year standoff.