SEOUL: Defense Minister Shin Won-sik announced that South Korea plans to hold joint maritime drills with the United States and Japan, involving the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, to enhance military readiness and demonstrate resolve against North Korea's provocations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Shin's statement came during his visit to the USS Carl Vinson, currently docked in Busan, following North Korea's claim of successfully launching a spy satellite. He emphasized that the launch was a provocative act violating U.N. Security Council resolutions and hampering national security.
The joint drills, involving the navies of South Korea and the U.S., are scheduled for Saturday, with Japan's navy joining on Sunday, according to sources familiar with the matter. Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of carrier strike group one, reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to defending South Korea with its full military capabilities, including nuclear options.
The USS Carl Vinson's visit, the third U.S. aircraft carrier visit to South Korea this year, underscores Washington's efforts to strengthen its defense commitment to South Korea amid escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.