Latest news with #MarkLangford
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Photos Show US Aircraft Carrier Preparing for Patrol on Pacific Front Line
The United States nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington-homeported in Japan-continues its preparations for an upcoming patrol in the western Pacific Ocean. Lieutenant Commander Mark Langford, the George Washington's public affairs officer, told Newsweek that the aircraft carrier was "focused on ensuring that the U.S. military remains the world's most combat-credible fighting force capable of maintaining peace through strength." The George Washington is one of the American naval vessels forward-deployed in Japan-a major treaty ally of the U.S. in Northeast Asia. It returned to its home port at Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in November following 2,117 days of maintenance in Virginia. The 100,000-ton warship left Yokosuka naval base earlier this week, while its naval aviators were conducting field carrier landing practice on a Japanese island in the Pacific Ocean, simulating landings on the George Washington's flight deck to obtain landing qualifications. While the George Washington and its aviation unit prepared for patrol, the Chinese navy-the world's largest by hull count, with more than 370 vessels-deployed the aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong to the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, respectively. The George Washington conducted consolidated cargo and fueling-at-sea operations with the chartered tanker Badlands Trader on Wednesday at an undisclosed location in waters south of Yokosuka, according to photos released by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command. The aircraft carrier was underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. Seventh Fleet's area of operations in support of "a free and open Indo-Pacific," Langford said. Both the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean are the Seventh Fleet's operating area. Official photos also show that the Carrier Air Wing 5-attached to the George Washington-conducted field carrier landing practice at Iwo To, a Japanese island 750 miles south of Tokyo. The training began on May 19 and is scheduled to end on Saturday. Participating carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft included the F-35C and F/A-18E/F fighter jets, the EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, and the E-2D airborne command and control aircraft. Pilots performed repetitive "touch and go" landings during the training on the small island. "[This is the training] that is required for Air Wing 5 air crews to get ready to go to sea," said Captain William Fallon, the assistant chief of staff for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan, adding that the island provided a realistic practice environment. The George Washington's carrier air wing is also known as the "air wing of the future," said Langford, referring to the inclusion of the fifth-generation F-35C fighter aircraft, which features "advanced stealth technology" and provides "unmatched lethality and survivability." The U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan said on Friday: "[Field carrier landing practice] is a required flight training for pilot qualification and proficiency that precedes aircraft carrier landing operations, ensuring warfighting readiness in support of regional security and stability in the U.S. Indo-Pacific region." The U.S. Navy said of the USS George Washington's return to Japan: "George Washington is Seventh Fleet's premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and operates alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." It was not immediately clear when the George Washington would begin its first patrol after returning to Japan seven months ago. It also remains to be seen whether it will conduct joint operations with its sister ship, the USS Nimitz, which is in the South China Sea. Related Articles American Drone Company Claims Major Breakthrough Over Chinese CompetitorsChinese Bombers Seen in South China Sea Amid US Aircraft Carrier PatrolU.S. Ally Looks to Buy Chinese J-35 Stealth JetsU.S. Responds to Gaza Aid Mission's Chaotic Start 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Photos Show US Aircraft Carrier Preparing for Patrol on Pacific Front Line
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. The United States nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington—homeported in Japan—continues its preparations for an upcoming patrol in the western Pacific Ocean. Lieutenant Commander Mark Langford, the George Washington's public affairs officer, told Newsweek that the aircraft carrier was "focused on ensuring that the U.S. military remains the world's most combat-credible fighting force capable of maintaining peace through strength." Why It Matters The George Washington is one of the American naval vessels forward-deployed in Japan—a major treaty ally of the U.S. in Northeast Asia. It returned to its home port at Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in November following 2,117 days of maintenance in Virginia. The 100,000-ton warship left Yokosuka naval base earlier this week, while its naval aviators were conducting field carrier landing practice on a Japanese island in the Pacific Ocean, simulating landings on the George Washington's flight deck to obtain landing qualifications. A Japanese media representative capturing a United States Navy F-35C fighter jet as it conducted a "touch and go" during field carrier landing practice at Iwo To in Japan on May 25. A Japanese media representative capturing a United States Navy F-35C fighter jet as it conducted a "touch and go" during field carrier landing practice at Iwo To in Japan on May 25. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dyxan K. Williams/U.S. Navy While the George Washington and its aviation unit prepared for patrol, the Chinese navy—the world's largest by hull count, with more than 370 vessels—deployed the aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong to the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, respectively. What To Know The George Washington conducted consolidated cargo and fueling-at-sea operations with the chartered tanker Badlands Trader on Wednesday at an undisclosed location in waters south of Yokosuka, according to photos released by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command. Check out these images. @MSCSealift chartered ship Motor Tanker Badlands Trader (T-AOT 5582) conducted consolidated cargo operations (CONSOL) with @GW_CVN73 May 28 at sea south of Yokosuka, Japan. 🚢⛽💪 — U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (@MSCSealift) May 29, 2025 The aircraft carrier was underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. Seventh Fleet's area of operations in support of "a free and open Indo-Pacific," Langford said. Both the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean are the Seventh Fleet's operating area. Official photos also show that the Carrier Air Wing 5—attached to the George Washington—conducted field carrier landing practice at Iwo To, a Japanese island 750 miles south of Tokyo. The training began on May 19 and is scheduled to end on Saturday. Participating carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft included the F-35C and F/A-18E/F fighter jets, the EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, and the E-2D airborne command and control aircraft. Pilots performed repetitive "touch and go" landings during the training on the small island. "[This is the training] that is required for Air Wing 5 air crews to get ready to go to sea," said Captain William Fallon, the assistant chief of staff for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan, adding that the island provided a realistic practice environment. The George Washington's carrier air wing is also known as the "air wing of the future," said Langford, referring to the inclusion of the fifth-generation F-35C fighter aircraft, which features "advanced stealth technology" and provides "unmatched lethality and survivability." What People Are Saying The U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan said on Friday: "[Field carrier landing practice] is a required flight training for pilot qualification and proficiency that precedes aircraft carrier landing operations, ensuring warfighting readiness in support of regional security and stability in the U.S. Indo-Pacific region." The U.S. Navy said of the USS George Washington's return to Japan: "George Washington is Seventh Fleet's premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and operates alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." What Happens Next It was not immediately clear when the George Washington would begin its first patrol after returning to Japan seven months ago. It also remains to be seen whether it will conduct joint operations with its sister ship, the USS Nimitz, which is in the South China Sea.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Photos Show US and China's Aircraft Carriers Deployed to Pacific Waters
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. Both the United States and China deployed their aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific Ocean on Sunday, as Washington and Beijing jostle for naval dominance in the region. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington returned to its home port in Japan—Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo—last November, after undergoing maintenance in Virginia since 2017, serving as one of the forward-deployed American warships to the allied country. Meanwhile, China is challenging the First Island Chain—formed by Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines under the U.S. containment strategy meant to keep China's forces in check—with a fleet of more than 370 naval vessels, including two aircraft carriers in active service. The United States Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrives at Yokosuka naval base in Japan on November 22, 2024. The United States Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrives at Yokosuka naval base in Japan on November 22, 2024. Kyodo News via AP What To Know Photos shared on X, formerly Twitter, by a ship spotter in Japan on Sunday show the George Washington leaving its home port for sea trials. Its departure was also confirmed by a local government website that tracks visits by U.S. nuclear-powered naval vessels to Yokosuka. Lieutenant Commander Mark Langford, a public affairs officer aboard the George Washington, told Newsweek that the aircraft carrier was underway conducting "routine operations" in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations, which covers the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. This marked the first time the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier had left Yokosuka since its return seven months ago. The departure comes as aircraft assigned to the warship conduct field carrier landing practice on Iwo To, a Japanese island located 750 miles south of Tokyo. While the American aircraft carrier was underway in waters near Japan, the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning was spotted operating 124 miles north of Kuba Island—part of Japan's southwestern Senkaku Islands—the Joint Staff of the Japanese Defense Ministry announced. The uninhabited Senkaku Islands, also known as the Diaoyu Islands in China, are claimed by Beijing, which has intensified its assertive coast guard patrols since Tokyo nationalized the islands in 2012. The U.S. ally has accused China of attempting to alter the status quo. The Liaoning was joined by four other Chinese warships in the East China Sea, according to the report, including Type 052D destroyers CNS Qiqihar and CNS Tangshan, as well as Type 054A frigates CNS Binzhou and CNS Anyang, which were identified by hull numbers. "Takeoff and landing of carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters was confirmed," said the Japan Joint Staff, adding that a ship and an aircraft assigned to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as well as fighter jets of the Japanese air force, were deployed in response. What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy previously said: "George Washington is [Seventh] Fleet's premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and operates alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." Japan's defense white paper commented: "China has been rapidly building up military capabilities while intensifying its activities in the East China Sea, where the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands are, as well as in the Pacific." The Chinese Defense Ministry previously responded: "Japan has been closely tracking, monitoring, and interfering with Chinese vessels and aircraft for a long time, jeopardizing the safety of Chinese vessels and aircraft and easily causing maritime and air security problems." What Happens Next The Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning departs Hong Kong on July 11, 2017. The Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning departs Hong Kong on July 11, 2017. Kin Cheung/AP Photo It remains to be seen whether the Chinese aircraft carrier will pass through the Miyako Strait from the East China Sea and head toward the Philippine Sea, thereby breaching the island chain.
