A U.S. Navy landing craft loaded with medical vehicles and supplies for a simulated disaster-relief exercise follows a Russian Ropuchhka II amphibious assault ship on Aug. 14, 1996, during Exercise Cooperation From the Sea '96, near Vladivostok, Russia. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps units of the 7th Fleet and Russian Federation Navy units are conducting the exercise near the port city of Vladivostok. The purpose of the exercise is to improve interoperability with Russian military forces in conducting disaster relief and humanitarian missions. Personnel exchanges and training will promote cooperation and understanding between the U.S. and Russian Federation Naval Forces.