TWO AMERICAN NAVAL SHIPS TO ARRIVE IN CROATIA END AUGUST

( Editorial: --> 1068 ) ZAGREB, Aug 9 (Hina) - Croatia will receive two of the largest American naval ships to visit the country at the end of August after the United States Navy accepted an invitation by the Croatian Government. In a joint statement by the Croatian Defence Ministry and the American Embassy in Zagreb, it was announced the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower would probably be in Dubrovnik from August 28 to September 1 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio in Split from August 27 to 31. Both ships are leading vessels from the US Navy's Dwight Eisenhower battle group which will be based in the Mediterranean Sea for six months. The fleet commander is Rear Admiral Scott A. Fry. While in Croatia, the ships will be hosted by the Croatian Navy and its commander Vice-Admiral Vid Stipetic, and be open to the public. The USS Eisenhower is a 366m-long Nimitz class carrier, and has a staff of 4,800. Is decks can carry more than 70 war planes each. The USS Anzio is a Ticonderoga class cruiser and accommodates 400 sailors and is equipped with the most modern multi-purpose ammunition and radar devices. Both ships are based on the US east coast. (Hina) mbr /rml 091517 MET aug 98