US carriers conduct warfare drills in Philippine Sea to ‘support free and open Indo-Pacific’
- US Navy announces complex air, surface and anti-submarine warfare operations in international waters and airspace
- Drills involve two strike groups combining 10 ships, 150 aircraft and 12,600 personnel
Two US aircraft carrier strike groups with 12,600 personnel are conducting warfare drills in the Philippine Sea in a show of force and commitment to the region at a time when China is increasing its military manoeuvres, the US Navy said on Thursday.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group are carrying out complex air, surface and anti-submarine warfare operations in international waters and airspace.
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“The increased presence of two carrier strike groups in the region highlights the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, commander of US 7th Fleet, said in a statement.
“As it has for decades, the US Navy will continue to provide security in ways that promote regional stability and prosperity.”
The dual carrier operations of these two strike groups combine 10 ships, about 150 aircraft and 12,600 personnel.
“It shows our forces at their best, operating confidently at sea, and demonstrates that the US Navy will fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows,” Sawyer said.