By Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs
WATERS TO THE WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA – U.S. military forces, to include ships and aircraft from the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, will conduct a series of bilateral exercises with Republic of Korea armed forces July 16-19 to strengthen maritime interoperability and tactics, techniques and procedures.
U.S. military operations on the peninsula and in the waters around Korea are routinely conducted to exercise bilateral maritime maneuvers and operations, and demonstrate resolve and commitment to the U.S.-ROK alliance.
This routine, bilateral training exercise is scheduled to include high value unit protection, surface and anti-submarine warfare training events, air defense events, liaison officer exchanges, and dynamic ship maneuvers.
U.S. Navy ships scheduled to participate include the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), with embarked Carrier Air Wing 5; the guided missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Shiloh (CG 67); and the guided missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Kidd (DDG 100). A P-3C Orion aircraft is also scheduled to participate.
The U.S. is committed to security and economic stability of the Asia-Pacific region, and our forward presence activities and engagements in this region are routine. U.S. military operations and exercises are a part of a larger forward presence posture to enhance our alliances and partnerships, and established security cooperation activities. U.S. forward presence is in accordance with international law and contributes to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea, economic development, and international commerce.
For a list of participating Republic of Korea assets, please contact the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense. For additional information please contact U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs at pao@c7f.navy.mil or (808) 653-2152.