‘The largest display yet of naval power’ against Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear weapons programs ‘The largest display yet of naval power’ against Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear weapons programs
The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike group joined the USS Carl Vinson strike group Thursday near the coast of North Korea.
The pair accompanied Japanese forces in what has been described as “the largest display yet of naval power” against Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear weapons programs.
“These carrier strike groups, as well as two Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ships, were taking advantage of the opportunity to train and improve the way they operate together, ” 7th Fleet officials said. “Operating two carrier strike groups provides a unique capability, one of the many ways the U. S. Navy promotes security, stability, and prosperity throughout the region.”
The increased US presence in the Korean peninsula comes after North Korea carried out its latest ballistic missile test Monday.
US President Donald Trump in a tweet following the launch condemned the regime of Kim Jong Un for yet again disrespecting its neighbors.
“North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbor, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile…but China is trying hard!” Trump tweeted .
KCNA, North Korea’s official news agency, warned Tuesday that the US should expect a “bigger gift package” of precision guidance missiles.
“He expressed the conviction that it would make a greater leap forward in this spirit to send a bigger ‘gift package’ to the Yankees, ” the report said, paraphrasing Kim.
The US Tuesday conducted the first test of its ground-based intercept system from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base by successfully destroying an intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean.
FOIA documents published online this month also show Hawaii’s attempts to update its nuclear contingency plan over fears North Korean missiles could eventually reach its shores.
