USS Theodore Roosevelt and carrier strike group arrive in Asia-Pacific amid North Korean tensions – Forward Observer Shop

USS Theodore Roosevelt and carrier strike group arrive in Asia-Pacific amid North Korean tensions

The carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying escort ships have arrived in the Asia Pacific region as tensions with North Korea remain on the rise.

The carrier arrived with the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey, USS Preble and USS Sampson.

The Roosevelt carries four strike fighter squadrons, an electronic attack squadron, an airborne early warning squadron and two helicopter combat and strike squadrons.

The carrier arrives as large maritime land-based military drills between the U.S. and South Korea that kicked off earlier this month continue. Those drills involve the carrier USS  Ronald Reagan and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Stethem and USS Mustin.

On Oct. 23, the U.S. Eighth Army deployed to South Korea as a part of regular non-combatant evacuation drills, dubbed Courageous Channel. As a part of the drills, the troops will stay in the region until October 27.

At the same time, the U.S., Japanese and South Korean navies are conducting joint exercises.

Analyst comment: This is an unusually large amount of U.S. firepower in the region at the same time.

Why it’s on our radar: Information in this article helps satisfy Priority Intelligence Requirement 3: What are the latest indicators of a U.S.-North Korea war?  Each week in our Strategic Intelligence Summary, we gauge the likelihood and scope of conflict with Russia, China, North Korea, and in the Middle East, and track the latest developments in each region.  Subscribe here to receive our premium intelligence products prepared by Intelligence and special operations veterans.

Jon E. Dougherty is a political, foreign policy and national security analyst and reporter with nearly 30 years of experience in both fields. A U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, he holds BA in Political Science from Ashford University and an MA in National Security Studies/Intelligence Analysis from American Military University.

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