The U.S. Navy is using three carrier strike groups in the Western Pacific as a chance for a combined strike force exercise over the next week, the 7th Fleet said Wednesday.
The Navy explained that the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) will conduct coordinated operations “to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s unique capability to operate multiple carrier strike groups as a coordinated strike force effort.”
Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Scott Swift said in a statement that “it is a rare opportunity to train with two aircraft carriers together, and even rarer to be able to train with three.”
“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,” he added.
The exercise is set to take place from Nov. 11-14.
7th Fleet said the combined strike force is expected to conduct air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishments at sea, defensive air combat training, close-in coordinated maneuvers, and further training.
The Navy noted this is the first time three carrier strike groups have operated in the Western Pacific together since the Valiant Shield (VS) 2006 and 2007 exercises, which was off the coast of Guam.
Valiant Shields focused on the ability to quickly bring together forces from the separate carrier groups to respond to any regional situation.
7th Fleet said more recently carriers conducted duel strike group operations in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Philippine Sea. Such operations generally occur when carrier strike groups deployed to 7th Fleet area of operations from the U.S. West Coast join a forward deployed group based in Japan.
The Reagan is forward deployed to Japan, the Roosevelt traveled from its homeport in Sand Diego, Calif., and is set to start operations in the Persian Gulf and Fifth Fleet area of responsibility, and the Nimitz is headed back to its homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after completing operations in the Persian Gulf and 5th Fleet area against ISIS targets (Defense Daily, Oct. 25).