Morning Star Online, July 25, 2010
A South Korean plane takes off from the USS George Washington
The United States and South Korea have launched a major military drill in the Sea of Japan, despite China’s concern that the sabre-rattling is exacerbating already acute tensions in the region.
The nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier led an armada of warships in the “Invincible Spirit” exercises off the Korean peninsula.
The military drills are to run until Wednesday with 8,000 US and South Korean troops, 20 ships and submarines and 200 aircraft on station.
More than 200 warplanes are being deployed, including F-22 Raptors and F-18 fighter jets.
USS George Washington commanding officer David Lausman said: “We are showing our resolve.”
