[Report] Trump’s Second Term First Deployment in Korea: US Carrier Carl Vinson... Powerful Forces Including F-35C

A Towering Presence: 74 Meters High, the "Castle on the Sea" Arrives
Deployment of Strategic Asset F-35C
Commander of U.S. 1st Carrier Strike Group: "Port Call in Busan Symbolizes Strengthened Alliance"

The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) has arrived in Busan. This is the first time since the inauguration of the second Trump administration that a U.S. aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Korean Peninsula. The Carl Vinson is equipped with a formidable force, including 5th-generation stealth fighters such as the F-35C, with 60 to 70 aircraft onboard?comparable to the air power of a single nation.

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN) is entering the Naval Busan Operational Base on the 2nd. Photo by the Navy

On the morning of the 3rd, the massive nuclear aircraft carrier Carl Vinson was docked at the Busan Naval Operations Base. The Carl Vinson is a Nimitz-class (100,000-ton class) aircraft carrier, measuring 333 meters in length, 74 meters in height, 76.4 meters in width, and has a crew of about 5,000. Facing the Carl Vinson in person, one could not help but be reminded of a "castle on the sea."

After climbing several narrow staircases, we arrived at the flight deck, which held about 30 aircraft. Among them were F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, E-2D Hawkeyes, MH-60R/S Seahawks, and notably, the 5th-generation stealth fighter F-35C. This aircraft is one of the key strategic assets capable of covertly infiltrating North Korean airspace to strike the North Korean command.

A U.S. Forces Korea official was asked, "Photography is generally prohibited inside foreign aircraft carriers; is the limited permission to take photos a sign of U.S. military confidence?" The official replied, "Yes. By showcasing U.S. military power, we want to demonstrate our capability to protect our alliance."

In addition to these aircraft, the Carl Vinson carries U.S. aerial assets such as the EA-18G Growler and CMV-22 Osprey. A U.S. official stated, "There are six types of aircraft onboard, totaling about 60 to 70 airframes." The Carl Vinson's combat power?including fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, transport planes, helicopters, and early warning control aircraft?is comparable to the air force strength of a medium-sized nation.

On this day, a joint press conference between the South Korean and U.S. navies was held in the hangar bay, marking the arrival of the Carl Vinson, the cruiser USS Princeton, and the Aegis destroyer USS Sterett, all part of the U.S. Navy's 1st Carrier Strike Group. Rear Admiral Michael Wash, commander of the U.S. Navy 1st Carrier Strike Group, was asked whether the deployment of the Carl Vinson to the Korean Peninsula could dispel concerns about weakening trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. He emphasized, "(The Carl Vinson's) port call in Busan and its visible presence itself is proof that the ROK-U.S. alliance is strengthening and remains robust."

Michael Wash, Commander of the U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group 1 (Rear Admiral), and Lee Nam-gyu, Chief of Maritime Operations Headquarters of the Republic of Korea Navy, shake hands at a press briefing held at Busan Operations Base on the 3rd. Photo by the Ministry of National Defense Joint Press Corps

Rear Admiral Lee Nam-gyu, head of the Republic of Korea Navy Maritime Operations Headquarters, said, "The ROK and U.S. navies have enhanced interoperability and joint maritime operational capabilities amid the escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. Through the continuous deployment of U.S. strategic assets, we are increasing the execution capability of ironclad extended deterrence. The ROK and U.S. navies will further solidify the combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea based on our steadfast alliance."

While the Carl Vinson is docked in Busan, U.S. service members plan to explore the city and experience Korean culture. Commander Wash said, "This port call is a great opportunity for our carrier strike group personnel to experience Korea's diverse culture, explore Busan's vibrant history, and engage with local residents."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy announced that on the 1st, General Jay B. Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea and United Nations Command, Rear Admiral Neil Coprowski, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and Rear Admiral Kim Ji-hoon, deputy commander of the Republic of Korea Navy Operations Command, visited the Carl Vinson. General Brunson said, "The Carl Vinson's operations demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the defense of our allies and partners and our resolve to 'fight tonight and win.'"

Commander Coprowski stated, "This visit reaffirms our ironclad commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and supports regional stability and security." Deputy Commander Kim emphasized, "The deployment of the Carl Vinson to the Korean Peninsula is evidence of the Republic of Korea's strong combined defense posture and its firm will and execution capability."