USS Ronald Reagan (Source: telegraphindia)
Hanoi (VNA) – Two of the world’s largest warships owned by the US Navy started exercises in the Philippine sea on June 18.
According to the US Pacific Command, the USS John C. Stennis and the USS Ronald Reagan conducted air defense drills, sea surveillance and long range strikes.
US Rear Admiral Marcus Hitchcock, carrier strike group commander, said the operations involved 12,000 sailors, 140 aircraft, six combatants and the two carriers.
The drills were meant to promote freedom of navigation and overflight in the region’s airspace and waters, he said.
US Rear Admiral John Alexander, another carrier strike group commander, said this has been a great opportunity for the US Navy to train on how they would operate multiple carrier strike groups.
Philippine defence department spokesman Peter Galvez said Manila welcomes the strong cooperation and partnership with friends and allies.-VNA
