US aircraft carrier prepares to deploy near Korean peninsula

(Baonghean.vn) - In a recent press release issued by the Pacific Command, the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan has left the Yokosuka naval port in Japan to conduct sea trials. This is the final stage of the maintenance process.

“During the trials, the crew will conduct various training and competency exercises, including technical and medical drills, as well as deck and airborne operations to evaluate the performance of the sailors and related departments,” the statement said.

US Navy. Photo: The Diplomat

The USS Ronald Reagan will replace the Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group, which was deployed to the Pacific Ocean in January and moved toward the Korean Peninsula late last month in a show of force amid speculation that Pyongyang might conduct its sixth nuclear test.

The USS Ronald Reagan is an attack aircraft carrier and is permanently based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The ship's departure from Yokosuka marks the ship's first deployment since completing its patrol mission in 2016.

During the patrol, the aircraft carrier participated in a series of major exercises aimed at enhancing joint military operations with naval allies in the region, especially the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. Photo: The Diplomat.

“I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Reagan’s Sailors,” said Capt. Buzz Donnelly, commanding officer of the USS Ronald Reagan. “We are all looking forward to completing sea trials and returning to 7th Fleet.”

According to the US Navy, the USS Ronald Reagan carries a crew of 4,539 sailors and is equipped with about 60 aircraft. It was commissioned in 2003 and is worth about $8.5 billion.

Tensions have escalated on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang has repeatedly tested missiles and declared it is ready to conduct a sixth nuclear test at any time. US President Donald Trump said in early April that he could prepare to take unilateral action against Pyongyang if necessary./.

Lan Ha

(According to The Diplomat)