US Navy Carriers Conducts Operations in South China Sea For First Time In Six Years.

The Nimitz and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Force are conducting dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea, July 6. It is a significant show for force in what is arguably the region's most hotly contested body of water and a clear signal to China.
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The aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN 68), right, and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and their carrier strike groups are conducting dual-carrier operations in the Indo-Pacific as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Force. (Picture source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Keenan Daniels/Released)

The Nimitz and Ronald Reagan strike groups conducted several exercises and operations to strengthen warfighting readiness and proficiency in an all-domain environment. Integrated operations included air defense exercises, tactical maneuvering drills, simulated long-range maritime strike scenarios, and coordinated air and surface exercises to maintain combat readiness and maritime superiority.

Dual carrier operations provide increased reach, power projection, and continuity of operations, particularly in the air domain. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, embarked aboard Ronald Reagan, and CVW-17, embarked aboard Nimitz, launched and recovered hundreds of aircraft daily, continually operating around-the-clock. Together, the strike force was able to extend the reach of air superiority and provide greater security throughout the region.

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), CVW-17, the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104), and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114).

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), CVW-5, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN 68), left, and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and their carrier strike groups are conducting dual-carrier operations in the Indo-Pacific as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Force. (Picture source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Keenan Daniels/Released)