On March 2, the US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson arrived at the Busan Operating Base. The cruiser Princeton and the Aegis destroyer Sterett also arrived.
The Carl Vinson carries about 80 aircraft, including the F-35C stealth fighter jet, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, and MH-60S Seahawk maritime operations helicopters.
It is the second deployment of strategic assets, since the Trump government took office, following the deployment of B-1B strategic bombers to the ROK on Jan. 20. And it is the first deployment of a US Navy carrier since the Roosevelt in June 2024, which was 8 months ago.
Speaking aboard the carrier on the day before the ship’s arrival in Busan, commander of USFK Xavier T. Brunson said, “Carl Vinson’s operation demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the defenses of our allies and partners and strengthening our ability to fight and win today.”
The carrier is expected to participate in US-Japan-“ROK” naval exercises this month.
