3 US carriers begin drill in Sea of Japan

NHK -- Nov 11

The United States navy has begun a rarely performed drill in the Sea of Japan, mobilizing 3 aircraft carriers. The exercise is an apparent show of might against North Korea.

The 3 strike groups led by vessels USS Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz are in waters east of North Korea for the 4-day drill from Saturday.

A senior US armed forces officer said the unusual exercise is the first in the western Pacific since 2007. The US sent 2 carriers to the Sea of Japan in June for a war game.

A US naval source says the objective is for crewmembers and pilots to rehearse smooth joint operations of the 3 strike groups.

Vessels from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the South Korean Navy will also join bilateral drills with the United States.

President Donald Trump emphasized the capabilities of the US military in a speech in Seoul earlier this week. He warned North Korea not to try US resolve to defend its allies. Trump urged other countries to put maximum pressure on Pyongyang.

Nov 11 (ANNnewsCH) - 防衛省はアメリカ海軍の原子力空母と海上自衛隊の護衛艦が日本海で12日午前、共同訓練することを明らかにしました。 共同訓練には、アメリカ海軍の原子力空母「ロナルド・レーガン」や「ニミッツ」など3隻と海上自衛隊から護衛艦「いせ」など3隻が参加します。