Navy to carry out rare exercise over Sea of Japan

The U.S. Navy announced Wednesday it will carry out a rare exercise involving three aircraft carriers to send a message to North Korea.

The Navy will conduct air defense drills, sea surveillance, defensive air combat training and other drills over the Sea of Japan, located east of the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement.

“Multiple carrier strike force operations are very complex, and this exercise in the Western Pacific is a strong testament to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s unique ability and ironclad commitment to the continued security and stability of the region,” Adm. Scott Swift said in a statement.

{mosads}The exercise, which will take place as President Trump continues his 12-day trip to Asia, will start on Saturday and continue through Tuesday.

The three carriers involved are the USS Ronald Reagan, the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Nimitz. Trump mentioned their vicinity to the Korean Peninsula during his speech Tuesday to South Korea’s National Assembly. 

“Do not underestimate us. And do not try us,” Trump warned North Korea during his Tuesday speech. 

It is the first time since 2007 that the Navy has carried out this type of exercise in the Western Pacific.