South Korean and U.S. Navies Conduct Joint Maritime Exercise in East Sea with Participation of George Washington

The Navy announced on November 14 that the South Korean and U.S. navies have been conducting a joint maritime exercise in the East Sea since November 11. This exercise was carried out to strengthen deterrence against North Korea based on the steadfast South Korea-U.S. alliance, as well as to enhance the combined operational capabilities and interoperability of the two navies.

The exercise involved seven South Korean naval vessels, including the Aegis destroyers Yulgok Yi I and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (7,600-ton class), and the destroyers Wang Geon and Gang Gam-chan (4,400-ton class), as well as three aircraft: a Lynx maritime operations helicopter and maritime patrol aircraft (P-3, P-8). The U.S. Navy participated with four vessels, including the aircraft carrier George Washington, the cruiser Robert Smalls, and the Aegis destroyers Milius and Shoup, along with carrier-based aircraft and a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.

The Navy stated, "During the exercise period, the South Korean and U.S. navies established a combined defense posture through realistic maritime training, including anti-ship live-fire drills, anti-submarine warfare, air defense operations, and underway replenishment."