US Navy photo

Aircraft Carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON En Route To Korea
US Forces Korea say she is going to take part in pre-planned exercise...

The USS George Washington carrier strike group will join Republic of Korea naval forces in the waters west of the Korean peninsula from November 28th to December 1st, US Forces Korea has announced today.

In a statement the exercise was described as 'defensive in nature'.

While planned well before yesterday’s unprovoked artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island, the statement said it demonstrates the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and their commitment to regional stability through deterrence.


U.S. Navy ships scheduled to participate include the USS George Washington (CVN 73) with an embarked carrier air wing (CVW 5), USS Cowpens (CG 62), USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62).

The statement concluded with:

"U.S. and allied operations are built on an already strong foundation of cooperation and this exercise is intended to further enhance interoperability. The U.S. and ROK forces will conduct air defence and surface warfare readiness training.

"The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the waters off the Korean peninsula and has conducted numerous operations and exercises in this area. In October 2009 the George Washington strike group conducted similar operations in the international waters west of the Korean peninsula. U.S. aircraft carriers frequently visit the Korean peninsula and conduct port visits in Busan; such as USS George Washington in 2010, USS John C. Stennis in March 2009, USS Ronald Reagan, USS Nimitz, and USS George Washington in 2008. "

According to Wikipedia, USS George Washington (CVN 73) is an American nuclear-powered supercarrier, the sixth ship in the Nimitz class and the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after George Washington, first President of the United States. She was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and was commissioned 4 July 1992.

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