MAYPORT NAVAL STATION, Fla. - Navies from the United States and 10 other countries today launched two weeks of war exercises off Florida's Atlantic Coast that will include training in combating piracy and drug smuggling.

Several Latin American countries, Canada and Germany are taking part in UNITAS Gold, which is now in its 50th year and is the Navy's longest-running yearly exercise. Hundreds of white-uniformed officers held a starting ceremony before embarking on ships, submarines and aircraft to begin training meant to foster naval cooperation throughout the Americas.

Sailors, Marines and other military forces will perform live-fire exercises, undersea warfare, helicopter and amphibious operations, among other training. More than 25 ships, four submarines, 6,500 sailors and 50 aircraft are taking part in the exercise hosted by the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet, based at Mayport Naval Station just north of Jacksonville.