100,000-ton US aircraft carrier patrols the East Sea
The US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson visits Manila port, Philippines during a routine patrol in the South China Sea.
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Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Photo: US Navy |
During a routine patrol in the East Sea, the US Navy's USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier docked in Manila on February 16, making a five-day visit to the Philippines amid China's growing assertiveness in the East Sea, according toInquirer.
The deputy commander of the US aircraft carrier, Major Tim Hawkins, said that the USS Carl Vinson did not conduct a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the East Sea during this deployment, but could carry out that mission in the future.
"The US Navy has been operating in the western Pacific for the past 70 years. We not only regularly deploy in the South China Sea but throughout the western Pacific to carry out missions such as coordinating with partners and allies to ensure regional security, affirming our commitment that all activities must be consistent with international law and regulations on freedom of navigation," Hawkins said.
USS Carl Vinson is the third US Nimitz-class supercarrier, named after Congressman Carl Vinson in recognition of his contributions to the US Navy. The ship was launched in 1980 and commissioned two years later. USS Carl Vinson has a displacement of 103,000 tons, is 333 m long and 77 m wide, and can carry up to 90 aircraft of various types.
The USS Carl Vinson is scheduled to make a port visit to Da Nang, Vietnam, in March this year as part of its mission in the western Pacific. The plan is being drafted and awaiting approval from the Vietnamese side.