US commander directly monitors the South China Sea by flying surveillance missions.

Admiral Scott Swift, the new commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, was aboard a P-8A Poiseidon aircraft conducting surveillance flights over the South China Sea this past weekend.

The new commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet is directly participating in a surveillance flight over the South China Sea. Photo: U.S. Navy.

Swift was directly involved in the reconnaissance mission to test the capabilities of this latest type of surveillance aircraft, AP reported yesterday, citing the Pacific Fleet.

An image posted on the fleet's website shows Admiral Swift intently watching as U.S. officers demonstrate the capabilities of the P-8A reconnaissance aircraft. Another image shows him wearing headphones and a microphone, looking out the window.

Charlie Brown, a U.S. Navy official who was also on the surveillance flight, said Admiral Swift was "very pleased with the Poseidon aircraft's capabilities."

Commander Swift participated in the reconnaissance mission in the South China Sea after visiting the Philippines, where he met with military officials. He then traveled to South Korea and was scheduled to visit Japan before returning to Hawaii, USA.

Philippine Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin welcomed Swift's move, saying it demonstrated the U.S. commitment to supporting its ally Manila in resolving disputes in the South China Sea.

On July 17, Mr. Swift emphasized that U.S. forces are well-equipped and ready to respond to any unexpected situation in the South China Sea, where China claims sovereignty over almost the entire sea, encroaching on the coastlines of neighboring countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines. The U.S. does not take sides in the South China Sea dispute but will continue its operations to ensure freedom of navigation and oppose intimidation and the use of force.

Swift, wearing headphones and a microphone, looks out the window of the P-8A. Photo: Military Times

(According to VNExpress)