Three US carriers begin drill in Sea of Japan

TOKYO - 12 November 2017: The United States navy has begun a rarely performed drill in the Sea of Japan, mobilizing three aircraft carriers. The exercise is an apparent show of might against North Korea, Japan's NHK World TV reported Saturday.

The 3 strike groups led by vessels USS Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz are in waters east of North Korea for the 4-day drill from Saturday.

A senior US armed forces officer said the unusual exercise is the first in the western Pacific since 2007. The US sent 2 carriers to the Sea of Japan in June for a war game.

A US naval source said the objective is for crewmembers and pilots to rehearse smooth joint operations of the 3 strike groups.

Vessels from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the South Korean Navy will also join bilateral drills with the United States.

US President Donald Trump emphasized the capabilities of the US military in a speech in Seoul last week. He warned North Korea not to try US resolve to defend its allies. Trump urged other countries to put maximum pressure on Pyongyang.