18 FOREIGN WARSHIPS TO JOIN "SAIL BUNAKEN" FLEET REVIEW

Manado, N. Sulawesi, April 13 (ANTARA)- A total of 18 foreign warships from several countries have confirmed participation in the "Sail Bunaken" fleet review, which was scheduled to be held here from May 12 through 20, 2009, a spokesman said.

The foreign warships and 30 Indonesian warships will take part in the fleet review in North Sulawesi waters, the North Sulawesi Naval Base (Lantamal-VIII) commander, Commodor Willem Rampangiley, said here on Sunday.
The United States will send three warships and one aircraft carrier to take part in the fleet review in North Sulawesi waters.
Apart from fleet review, the event organizing committee will also hold sail pass, Yacth rally from Darwin (Australia) to Manado, fly pass, city long march events and social services.
The number of participants of the fleet review will likely increase, he said.
On Saturday (April 11) Navy chief Admiral Tedjo Edhi Purdijanto and North Sulawesi governor SH Sarundajang watched the Sail Bunaken simulation from the Mega Mass waters to Malalayang beach.
The governor believed that Manado and Bitung were ready to host such international event.