USS Carl Vinson Arrives in South Korea as a Show of Strength
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Synopsis
The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier has arrived at the Busan naval base in South Korea, showcasing U.S. resolve against North Korean threats. This significant visit emphasizes the strengthened defense collaboration between South Korea and the U.S.
Key Takeaways
- USS Carl Vinson docks in Busan, South Korea.
- First U.S. carrier visit since Trump's return to office.
- Accompanied by USS Princeton and USS Sterett.
- Reaffirms U.S. extended deterrence commitment.
- Focus on interoperability and readiness against North Korea.
Seoul, March 2 (NationPress) The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier has docked at a significant naval base in the southeastern city of Busan on Sunday, as confirmed by South Korea's Navy, reiterating the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence amidst ongoing North Korean threats.
This nuclear-powered vessel from Carrier Strike Group 1 made its entrance into the naval base in Busan, located approximately 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, marking the first visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier to South Korea since U.S. President Donald Trump took office again in January, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
It was joined by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton and the Aegis-equipped destroyer USS Sterett, as noted by the South's Navy.
The Navy labeled this visit as part of efforts to enact an “ironclad” U.S. extended deterrence commitment, recently reaffirmed by Washington, while showcasing the robust South Korea-U.S. defense posture against ongoing North Korean threats.
The allies aim to enhance their interoperability and engage in cooperative activities between their naval forces during this visit, the Navy added.
Rear Adm. Lee Nam-gyu, director of the maritime operation center at the ROK Fleet, stated, “Our military will powerfully retaliate against any North Korean threat, and the South Korea-U.S. alliance will support peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region through close cooperation.”
ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the official designation for South Korea.
“The Carl Vinson's carrier strike group operations demonstrate our commitment to bolster the defense of allies and partners, and strengthen our ability to 'fight tonight and win,'” Brunson remarked while observing flight operations aboard the carrier the day before.
“This visit, particularly when combined with realistic all-domain, joint, and combined training, enhances interoperability and ensures we build the readiness posture to deter aggression and maintain stability in the Republic of Korea and the region,” stated the USFK commander.
The USS Carl Vinson last docked in South Korea in November 2023, shortly before North Korea successfully launched its first military spy satellite into orbit after two failed attempts.
This latest visit occurs roughly eight months after the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier was in Busan for the inaugural Freedom Edge multidomain exercise involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan in June of last year.
