CRO NAVY BEGINS EXERCISES IN SOUTHERN ADRIATIC

PLOCE, Oct 11 (Hina) - The Croatian Navy on Friday began a military exercise called "Whirlwind '96" in the southern Adriatic. The exercise of a diving commando battalion includes counter- commando security, commando activities at sea and on the coast and withdrawal from enemy territory. All modern commando equipment is being used, especially the small Croatia-manufactured R 2M submarine, assault-landing vessels and rubber skimmers. The exercise confirms Croatia's readiness to enter the Partnership for Peace, the command said. "Whirlwind '96" is supervised by the Croatian Army's chief-of- staff General Zvonimir Cervenko, Croatian Navy commander Vice- Admiral Vid Stipetic, Croatian Navy chief-of-staff captain Ivan Tolic, commander of the Ston military district Major General Milivoj Petkovic, head of the Croatian Army's Intelligence Service Rear Admiral Davorin Domazet and commander of the South Adriatic Navy Sector Captain Ante Urlic. (hina) ha jn 111519 MET oct 96