The US Navy’s Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) has conducted routine operations in the disputed South China Sea.
The aircraft carrier group is on scheduled deployment to the US 7th Fleet, which is the US Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet.
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Carrier Strike Group Nine commander rear admiral Doug Verissimo said: “After sailing through these waters throughout my 30-year career, it’s great to be in the South China Sea again, conducting routine operations, promoting freedom of the seas, and reassuring allies and partners.
“With two-thirds of the world’s trade traveling through this very important region, it is vital that we maintain our presence and continue to promote the rules-based order which has allowed us all to prosper.
“While we miss visiting our allies and partners in the region in person, we’re grateful for all the opportunities we have to operate with them at sea.”
The strike group conducted flight operations with fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and maritime strike exercises.
In addition, the maritime security operations included the surface and air units performing ‘coordinated tactical training’.
TRCSG includes USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and Destroyer Squadron 23, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS John Finn (DDG 113).
Last month, USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego for a ‘scheduled deployment’ to the Indo-Pacific.
