Today’s U.S. presidential exemption enables U.S. Navy to be exempt from compliance with the requirements of section 1456(c)(1)(A) of title 16 (section 307(c)(1)(A) of the Coastal Zone Management Act) those elements of the Department of the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare training during Southern California Operating Area Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercises (JTFEX) involving the use of mid-frequency active sonar. These exercises are more fully described in the Environmental Assessment/Overseas Environmental Assessment prepared for the Commander, United States Pacific Fleet, dated February 2007.

As per Adm. Robert Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, China possesses three times more submarines than the Pacific Fleet. Willard had emphasized the need for continued training exercises using midfrequency sonar, which is opposed by environmentalists because of its possible effect on whales and other marine mammals.

Willard noted that China’s submarine fleet is comprised mainly of quiet diesel boats that are hard to detect when they operate in shallow coastal waters.

“Midfrequency sonar training,” Willard added, “is imperative for the U.S. Navy. It is a highly perishable and technical field. It is in great demand by our operators. There is nothing right now that can replace it.”

In the 2006 naval war games, U.S. and allied warships had to operate under environmental restrictions imposed by a federal court.

U.S President said “I hereby determine that the COMPTUEX and JTFEX, including the use of mid- frequency active sonar in these exercises, are in the paramount interest of the United States. Compliance with section 1456(c)(1)(A) would undermine the Navy’s ability to conduct realistic training exercises that are necessary to ensure the combat effectiveness of carrier and expeditionary strike groups. This exemption will enable the Navy to train effectively and to certify carrier and expeditionary strike groups for deployment in support of worldwide operational and combat activities, which are essential to national security.”

For the first time, Russia will join the armada of foreign and U.S. warships participating this summer in the largest naval war games in the world. Russian navy will join the estimated three dozen warships from 11 nations in the Rim of the Pacific exercise held every two years in waters off Oahu and Kauai.