US aircraft carrier visits South Korea

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US has sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to South Korea for a five-day visit.

The navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) led Carrier Strike Group 5, reached southeastern Busan port in South Korea on Thursday.

The US strike group carrier participated in a trilateral event with South Korean and Japanese forces which included anti-piracy training and cooperative maneuvering.

Strike Group 5 also has an aircraft carrier, Aegis-equipped USS Ship destroyer and other warships.

“Ronald Reagan recently sailed together with the Republic of Korea Navy, and during our port visit to Busan, Reagan Sailors will get the opportunity to further enhance our relationships with the South Korean people ashore,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer of the USS Ronald Reagan.

The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty signed Oct. 1, 1953.​​​​​​​