Two US Navy aircraft carriers have launched dual carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea.
The exercise, involving USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) strike groups, aims to assert the US Navy’s capabilities to operate multiple carrier strike groups in close proximity.
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At the sea, the two strike groups will support air defence drills, sea surveillance, replenishments, defensive air combat training, coordinated manoeuvres and other exercises.
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 commander Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo said: “This is a great opportunity for us to train together in a complex scenario.
“By working together in this environment, we’re improving our tactical skills and readiness in the face of an increasingly pressurised region and Covid-19.”
Previously, the US Navy aircraft carriers have been involved in several dual carrier strike group operations in the Western Pacific region.
In such operations, strike groups deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations from the West Coast of the US join forward deployed carrier strike group from Japan.
CSG 11 commander Rear Admiral James Kirk said: “The US Navy has long history of operating multiple carrier strike groups as a combined force in the Pacific.
“Our operations demonstrate the resilience and readiness of our naval force and are a powerful message of our commitment to regional security and stability as we protect the critically important rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea for the benefit of all nations.”
Earlier this month, USS Theodore Roosevelt departed Apra Harbor in Guam for its scheduled deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.
