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Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US and NATO Ally Flex Aircraft Carrier Muscles in Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Aircraft carriers deployed by the United States and the United Kingdom conducted joint operations during a war game amid concerns over China's increasing presence in the Pacific. The operations—which took place in the Timor Sea, north of Australia, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025—followed China's simultaneous deployment of a pair of aircraft carriers in the western Pacific in June, in a move seen as challenging U.S. naval dominance. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment via email. Why It Matters The American aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, is one of the U.S. naval vessels based in Japan. Prior to its deployment near Australia, the nuclear-powered warship patrolled the South China Sea, where China is involved in territorial disputes with regional countries. Meanwhile, HMS Prince of Wales, a British aircraft carrier, has been leading a naval strike group on an eight-month mission since April. It is scheduled to visit Japan later this summer. The deployment of the Prince of Wales marked the fourth time a European North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Indo-Pacific since 2021, supporting efforts to keep China in check while the U.S. remains preoccupied with tensions in the Middle East. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, front, and the United States aircraft carrier USS George Washington, back, sail in formation in the Timor Sea on July 18. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, front, and the United States aircraft carrier USS George Washington, back, sail in formation in the Timor Sea on July 18. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada/U.S. Navy What To Know The USS George Washington, accompanied by the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Shoup, participated in dual aircraft carrier operations with the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Timor Sea on Friday, according to photos released by the U.S. Navy. The Prince of Wales was joined by two British ships—the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the tanker RFA Tidespring—alongside the Australian destroyer HMAS Sydney, the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Québec. In addition to naval vessels sailing in formation, U.S. Navy aircraft were seen flying over the joint U.S.-U.K. carrier strike group. The aircraft, including F-35C stealth fighter jets, were assigned to the Carrier Air Wing 5, which was deployed aboard the USS George Washington. The Prince of Wales also carried up to two dozen F-35B fighter jets, which are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings on ships without full-length runways, while the F-35C—one of their sister variants—is specifically designed for operations from aircraft carriers. The Royal Navy said this powerful demonstration of naval power brought together advanced capabilities and carrier aviation, describing the formation as a "mighty allied naval force." The U.S. also deployed the amphibious assault ship USS America, which operates F-35B aircraft, for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. According to U.S. Navy photos, the warship was seen conducting flight operations in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia, on Wednesday. The United States George Washington Carrier Strike Group sails alongside the British Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Timor Sea on July 18. The United States George Washington Carrier Strike Group sails alongside the British Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Timor Sea on July 18. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada/U.S. Navy What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy said in a photo caption on Friday: "Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns." The Royal Navy said in a press release on Friday: "As allies demonstrate their commitment to the collective security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy's George Washington Carrier Strike Group joined up with the U.K. Carrier Strike Group for dual carrier operations in the Timor Sea—between the Australian mainland and Timor-Leste and Indonesia." What Happens Next? It remains to be seen whether the USS America will join the USS George Washington and the Prince of Wales during the exercise in Australian waters, forming a triple F-35 carrier strike group.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where US Aircraft Carriers Are in Indo-Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Newsweek map shows that four United States aircraft carriers were underway across the Indo-Pacific this week—from the country's West Coast to waters off the Arabian Peninsula. With regard to the deployment of its aircraft carrier strike groups, the U.S. Navy said it is a symbol of Washington's commitment to maintaining what it calls "a free and open Indo-Pacific region." Why It Matters The U.S. military possesses the world's largest aircraft carrier fleet, with 11 nuclear-powered vessels in active service—including six based in the Pacific Ocean—which are regularly deployed to help keep U.S. adversaries, namely China, North Korea and Iran, in check. The multiple deployments of U.S. aircraft carriers come after China flexed its naval power by simultaneously sending two aircraft carriers to the Pacific Ocean recently, while the Pentagon maintains its military presence in the Middle East despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. What To Know Based on official disclosures and open-source satellite imagery, the locations of U.S. aircraft carriers are publicly available. USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego, California, on Tuesday to conduct exercises aimed at bolstering the readiness of its carrier strike group. The Theodore Roosevelt returned to San Diego last October after a nine-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, during which it supported regional security and stability, as well as strengthened U.S. military force posture and capabilities, according to the Navy. In the western Pacific, USS George Washington was spotted underway in the Celebes Sea—located between the Philippines and Indonesia—as of Sunday, following a patrol in the South China Sea during its deployment within the U.S. Seventh Fleet's operating area. The western Pacific and Indian Oceans are part of the Seventh Fleet's area of operations. An F-35C fighter jet lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in the Celebes Sea on July 13, 2025. An F-35C fighter jet lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in the Celebes Sea on July 13, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ana Souza Young/U.S. Navy Following operations with its sister ship, USS Nimitz, in the Middle East earlier this month, USS Carl Vinson returned to the Indian Ocean on an eastward voyage and was underway in the Andaman Sea—located off the coasts of Myanmar and Thailand—as of Tuesday. Citing a U.S. defense official, USNI News reported that the Carl Vinson departed the North Arabian Sea on July 11. The aircraft carrier was deployed from San Diego last November. The Nimitz, along with three destroyers and a replenishment oiler, was captured in satellite imagery while underway in the Arabian Sea off the southern coast of Oman on Sunday. Both the Nimitz and the Carl Vinson were previously repositioned from the western Pacific to the Middle East. 🚨 OSINT Intel Drop: 🇺🇸Carrier Strike Group 11 Fresh imagery (13 July 2025) confirms CSG 11, including USS Nimitz and 3x Arleigh Burke destroyers, operating off Oman's south coast. 1x destroyer conducting an UNREP with oiler USNS John Lewis. This activity comes as regional… — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) July 14, 2025 Of the remaining two Pacific-based U.S. aircraft carriers, USS Ronald Reagan continued scheduled maintenance at a shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, as of Tuesday, while USS Abraham Lincoln remained in San Diego following its return to port on July 10 after a few days at sea. What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy said of USS George Washington's deployment: "George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." The U.S. Seventh Fleet previously told Newsweek: "Every day the U.S. Pacific Fleet operates to protect the security, freedom, and prosperity for the United States and our allies and partners, reflecting our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the Carl Vinson and the George Washington will operate together in the Western Pacific to counter China's increased naval activities in the region.
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
US Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Counters China Navy Presence
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington is on patrol in the western Pacific, where China has been expanding its naval presence. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The George Washington is one of the U.S. Navy vessels homeported in Japan. The aircraft carrier, which is equipped with F-35C stealth fighter jets, returned to Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in November 2024 after undergoing maintenance and upgrades in Virginia. The George Washington's first patrol since returning to Japan comes as two Chinese aircraft carriers were deployed simultaneously to the wider western Pacific for the first time earlier in June, marking a major milestone in China's efforts to challenge U.S. naval dominance. Another U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has been redeployed to the Middle East from the western Pacific amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. This leaves the George Washington as the only U.S. aircraft carrier currently positioned to help keep China in check as of Monday. Officially released photos show the George Washington and its carrier strike group transiting the Philippine Sea on Monday. The U.S. Navy said the aircraft carrier is currently on patrol in the Seventh Fleet's operating area, which covers the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Philippine Sea lies east of the First Island Chain-a defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines as part of a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting the Chinese navy-the world's largest by hull count-in the western Pacific in the event of war. In addition to the George Washington, which left its home port on June 10, the carrier strike group includes two other warships-the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Shoup. It remains unclear whether the George Washington will also be sent to the Middle East, should the situation there worsen. The Nimitz is expected to relieve its sister ship, USS Carl Vinson, in the region, allowing the latter to return home, U.S. Naval Institute News reported. The Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong remained underway in waters east of the Philippines as of Monday, each leading a naval task group and transiting westward, according to a map provided by Japan's Defense Ministry. The U.S. Navy said on Tuesday: "George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31: "China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia. No doubt. It hopes to dominate and control too many parts of this vibrant and vital region. Through its massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force to achieve its goals…China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region's status quo." It remains to be seen whether USS America-a U.S. amphibious assault ship equipped with F-35B stealth fighter jets-will depart the South Pacific for the western Pacific to reinforce the U.S. naval presence in the region following the Nimitz's departure. Related Articles How Iran Could Retaliate Against US. Three Possible OptionsU.S. Tanker Aircraft Head to Middle East as Threat of Iran War RisesNuclear Bomb Map Shows Impact of US Weapons on IranIran Warns U.S. of "Painful Responses" Over Israel's Attacks 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Counters China Navy Presence
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington is on patrol in the western Pacific, where China has been expanding its naval presence. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters The George Washington is one of the U.S. Navy vessels homeported in Japan. The aircraft carrier, which is equipped with F-35C stealth fighter jets, returned to Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in November 2024 after undergoing maintenance and upgrades in Virginia. The George Washington's first patrol since returning to Japan comes as two Chinese aircraft carriers were deployed simultaneously to the wider western Pacific for the first time earlier in June, marking a major milestone in China's efforts to challenge U.S. naval dominance. Another U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has been redeployed to the Middle East from the western Pacific amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. This leaves the George Washington as the only U.S. aircraft carrier currently positioned to help keep China in check as of Monday. What To Know Officially released photos show the George Washington and its carrier strike group transiting the Philippine Sea on Monday. The U.S. Navy said the aircraft carrier is currently on patrol in the Seventh Fleet's operating area, which covers the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The USS George Washington transits the Philippine Sea on June 15, 2025. The USS George Washington transits the Philippine Sea on June 15, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey L. Ottinger/U.S. Navy The Philippine Sea lies east of the First Island Chain—a defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines as part of a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting the Chinese navy—the world's largest by hull count—in the western Pacific in the event of war. In addition to the George Washington, which left its home port on June 10, the carrier strike group includes two other warships—the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Shoup. It remains unclear whether the George Washington will also be sent to the Middle East, should the situation there worsen. The Nimitz is expected to relieve its sister ship, USS Carl Vinson, in the region, allowing the latter to return home, U.S. Naval Institute News reported. The Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong remained underway in waters east of the Philippines as of Monday, each leading a naval task group and transiting westward, according to a map provided by Japan's Defense Ministry. What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy said on Tuesday: "George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31: "China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia. No doubt. It hopes to dominate and control too many parts of this vibrant and vital region. Through its massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force to achieve its goals…China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region's status quo." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether USS America—a U.S. amphibious assault ship equipped with F-35B stealth fighter jets—will depart the South Pacific for the western Pacific to reinforce the U.S. naval presence in the region following the Nimitz's departure.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s
Trump has threatened Iran would feel the 'full force' if they attacked the US THE BIG GUNS Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICA is sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry on board the USS Nimitz Credit: John Chapple 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry below deck with a fighter jet Credit: John Chapple The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. The move comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran and question marks over whether the West will become embroiled in the conflict. Donald Trump has warned Iran it would experience the "full force" of the US military if it attacked US interests. Read more on world news GUN TRAGEDY Horror moment boy, 2, shoots his mum dead after picking up his dad's gun And Sir Keir Starmer has sent more RAF jets to the Middle East, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers, as tensions mount. The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. I spent two days on board the USS Nimitz during a training exercise. The massive vessel is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and consists of 117,000 sq ft. The flight deck is four and a half acres and boasts four aircraft catapults to propel F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters into the sky. Iran launches 3rd night of strikes as Netanyahu warns war could lead to 'regime change' in Tehran Four giant elevators bring the aircraft from the hangar in the guts of the carrier. I stood just feet away as F-35 Lightning II fighter jets were catapulted from the deck with an ear-splitting blast, before disappearing off the bow of the ship in a haze of steam. The violent rumble of the jet engines shook my bones to the core. A Seahawk helicopter circled nearby in case of any accidents. The F-35C is designed for long-range stealth strike missions and is built explicitly for US Navy carrier operations. The flight deck of the Nimitz was awash with dedicated crewmen wearing different coloured 'jerseys' whose job is to tow the aircraft into position before the pilots ready the jets for take off. Green jerseys operate the jet blast deflectors (JBD), aircraft handlers wear yellow jerseys, blue jerseys work in the hanger bay and purple jerseys refuel the aircraft, while red jerseys handle aviation ordinance and crash and salvage. The whole manic scene - described by those on board as a choreographed ballet - is watched over by white jerseys. 12 A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet lands on the deck of the USS Nimitz Credit: Reuters 12 Fighter jets on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz's flight deck Credit: AFP 12 I stood behind a yellow jacket, also known as a shooter, one of several catapult officers responsible for the safe and efficient launch of the ship's aircraft. She threw a shooting sign to tell the jet to take off. 'Stay behind me,' she screamed as we ducked under the afterburners of a Super Hornet. 'The heat from those engines will take your skin off.' Beneath deck is a massive floating city where 5,000 US Navy personnel carry out their duties like worker bees in a hive. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull, life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refuelling. Capable of reaching 30 knots (35mph) the ship is one of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the US Fleet. I joined the ship off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, for a routine five-day training mission which saw the F-35C put through its paces. The ship raised its two 60,000lb anchors and set sail from Naval Air Station North Island, in Coronado, San Diego. 12 The USS Nimitz during a drill in the South China Sea in 2020 Credit: EPA 12 Sun man Parry said the carrier operates like a beehive Credit: John Chapple 12 There is even a Starbucks on board Credit: John Chapple Walking around the vast warship you're struck by the sheer number of young faces walking the narrow corridors and stairways - the backbone of the US Navy. The average age of sailors on board is 25 and often you'll find a teenager fresh out of high school steering the warship out of port. During my time onboard I was also taken up to the bridge, the heart of the ship's operation, where the Captain sat on a raised chair surrounded by his team of navigators, officers and the rest of the watch team charged with keeping the ship away from hazards. The mission of many of the Nimitz sailors will be to take off and land dozens of fighter jets, helicopters and planes, sometimes within less than 60 seconds of each other. The crew often work 12-hour shifts, six days a week. The busy ship goes through around 500 cans of energy drink Monster a day purchased from the ship's store. The Nimitz entered service in 1975 but has undergone dozens of refurbishments and upgrades since. It is the lead ship of her class, one of the largest warships in the world, second only to the USS Gerald R Ford. The Nimitz's homeport is Naval Base Kitsap in Washington and the vessel is named for legendary fleet admiral Chester W. Nimitz (1885–1966), who helped the US defeat the Japanese Navy in World War II. Its deployment to the Middle East will likely be its last mission as it marks 50 years of service. The ageing warship is set to be replaced by the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) later this year. 12 The USS Nimitz is covered in US patriotism on board Credit: John Chapple 12 On board sit special US Navy missiles Credit: John Chapple
