The forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan maneuvers along the coast prior to a scheduled port visit in Busan, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Navy photo, Specialist MacAdam Kane Weissman)
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stethem and USS Chafee pulled into Busan after participating in Maritime Counter Special Operations Force Exercise 2017.
The focus of the bilateral training exercise was to increase the readiness of U.S. and Republic of Korea forces and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula. "This port visit is the perfect ending to this regularly scheduled exercise with our Republic of Korea Navy counterparts," said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander of Task Force 70. "After building interoperability at sea, exchanging cultures on liberty is a great way to deepen the relationship between our sailors and our nations."
The U.S. Navy routinely conducts carrier strike group operations in the waters around the Korean Peninsula to maintain interoperability, exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and improve regional security. Exercises are conducted throughout the year, including subject matter expert exchanges, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, communication drills, air defense exercises, counter-mine planning and distinguished visitor embarkations.