OTTAWA -- Canadian warships have sailed to join military exercises with the United States and Japan off the US coast of Southern California, the Canadian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

Supported by two CH-124 Sea King helicopters, four Canadian ships, carrying more than 500 sailors, will participate in a Task Group Exercise (TGEX) with the United States Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force on Oct. 20-31, it said in a statement.

The TGEX is aimed to enhance combat readiness while improving interoperability and tactical excellence, it said, adding that the special TGEX will focus on interoperability between them.

Before the commencement of the TGEX, three of the four warships will participate in San Francisco Fleet Week -- a tradition in which active navy ships dock in a major city for several days for military demonstrations, airshows, and guided tours of the ships, it added.

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