The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group’s presence in the waters off the Korean Peninsula is enough to dissuade North Korea or any other unfriendly country in the area from acting aggressively
During Exercise Invincible Spirit on October 14, 2016, in the waters east of the Korean Peninsula, the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams in formation with ships from Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The USS Ronald Reagan is the only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the US Navy. It is based in Yokosuka, Japan.
It’s worth noting that the combat planes of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) operate from the aircraft carrier’s deck. Strike Fighter Squadron 102 is part of CVW-5 (VFA-102) The F/A-18F Super Hornet, VFA-27, is flown by the “Diamondbacks.” The F/A-18E Super Hornet, VFA-115, is flown by “Royal Maces.” The F/A-18E Super Hornet, VFA-195, is flown by “Eagles.” Electronic Attack Squadron 141’s “Dambusters” fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet (VAQ-141) Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115’s “Shadowhawks” fly the EA-18G Growler (VAW-115) Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 30’s “Liberty Bells” fly the E-2C Hawkeye (VRC-30) Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12’s “Providers” Detachment 5, operating the C-2 Greyhound (HSC-12) Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 and the “Golden Falcons” operating the MH-60S Seahawk (HSM-77) The MH-60R Seahawk is flown by “Saberhawks.”
There is no doubt that the presence of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula, combined with the tremendous capabilities provided by the wide variety of combat aircraft from CVW-5, is enough to deter any aggressive behavior from North Korea or any other hostile nation in the area.
Invincible Spirit is a bilateral exercise performed with the ROKN in the waters around the Korean Peninsula with the Republic of Korea Navy, consisting of routine operations in support of maritime counter-special operations troops and integrated maritime operations. Ronald Reagan is on patrol with CSG 5 in support of Indo-Asian-Pacific security and stability.
Photo by Seaman Jamaal Liddell and Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Burke / U.S. Navy