The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conduct dual aircraft carrier strike group operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region. The operations mark the U.S. Navy’s continued presence throughout the area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alonzo M. Archer/Released)
Reuters: U.S. carriers join up in East Asia for 'complex' warfare drills
TOKYO (Reuters) - Two U.S. aircraft carriers with around 150 fighter jets are conducting “complex” warfare drills in the Philippine Sea, the U.S. Navy said on Thursday, in a show of force in waters south of China and within striking distance of North Korea.
The two carriers, the Japan-based USS Ronald Reagan and the USS John C Stennis deployed from the U.S. West coast, are carrying out air, surface and anti-submarine warfare operations, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a news release.
The U.S. Navy has conducted such operations before, including drills by three carriers last year as tensions with North Korea escalated. The latest, which coincides with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to the region, comes as denuclearization talks with North Korea show little sign of progress and amid a tit-for-tat trade spat with China.
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WNU editor: I suspect North Korea and China are on the purpose for this exercise.
