The navies of Russia and the United States began a joint anti-terrorism exercise in Guam Thursday.

The first phase of Exercise Pacific Eagle involves training in maneuvering and communication between vessels.

During the three day exercise, the Russian missile cruiser Varygag and the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCampbell will also practice rescuing a vessel seized by terrorists in the Philippine Sea.

The training aims to build respect and cooperation between both navies.

The U.S. Navy says it shares similar interests with Russia in the Pacific, including counter-terrorism and slowing the growth of weapons of mass destruction in the region.