Latest news with #Nimitz-class
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Navy Ship 'Expelled' From Disputed Waters, China's Military Says
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. China's military says it drove U.S. Navy destroyer the USS Higgins from waters near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Wednesday morning. Two days ago, a collision occurred between Chinese ships seeking to disrupt a Philippine Goast Guard mission at the disputed feature. Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Seventh Fleet and the Chinese Foreign Ministry via emailed requests for comment. Why It Matters China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, home to overlapping claims by the Philippines and several other states. Scarborough Shoal, one of the most hotly contested features in China's territorial dispute with the Philippines, sits within the U.S. treaty ally's exclusive economic zone. While China effectively seized control of waters around the atoll in 2012, the Philippines has since 2024 increased its patrols there to assert its claim and deliver supplies to local fishermen. Clashes at Scarborough and other South China Sea flashpoints have raised questions over whether a miscalculation could trigger Manila's Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington—and potentially a conflict between the two superpowers. What To Know In a statement posted to Chinese social media, the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins had "illegally intruded" into the territorial sea around Scarborough Shoal, calling it a serious violation of China's sovereignty and security. The command "deployed forces and monitored and expelled it in accordance with law and regulations," the statement added. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) pulls away from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) after conducting a fueling-at-sea while underway in the Pacific Ocean on November 7, 2024. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) pulls away from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) after conducting a fueling-at-sea while underway in the Pacific Ocean on November 7, 2024. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lucas J. Hastings/U.S. Navy A territorial sea extends 12 nautical miles (about 13.8 miles) from coastlines and high-tide features such as Scarborough Shoal. In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal rejected China's expansive South China Sea claims. The tribunal did not rule on sovereignty over the shoal; it recognized traditional fishing rights for Filipino and Chinese fishermen at Scarborough. The U.S. Navy had not released any information on the alleged patrol near Scarborough Shoal as of time of writing. The Navy frequently deploys sea and air assets in international waters to challenge claims that Washington believes infringe on the freedom of navigation. China maintains patrols by the U.S. and other Western militaries in the region threaten peace and stability. During Monday's confrontation, a China Coast Guard ship slammed into a Chinese Type 052 destroyer while pursuing a smaller Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat that was part of a government mission to deliver food and fuel to fishermen. Footage shows the collision severely damaging the coast guard cutter's bow. Ship-tracking data shared by the maritime analysis group SeaLight showed Chinese vessels on Tuesday sailing in a grid-like pattern consistent with search-and-rescue operations—suggesting personnel may have been thrown overboard by the impact. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Philippines had "seriously harmed peace and stability at sea." What People Are Saying The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement: "The Department is seriously concerned by the dangerous maneuvers of two vessels of the People's Liberation Army Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard and their unlawful interference with a routine humanitarian operation for Filipino fisherfolk in and around the territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc, which is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory." Bajo de Masinloc is the Philippines' name for Scarborough Shoal. In China, it's known as Huangyan Island. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, wrote in a statement this week: "China's campaign to dominate the South China Sea by force threatens stability, peace, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific, as the Philippines and other nations defend their legitimate interests. Beijing must comply with international law and immediately end its coercive maritime actions." What's Next The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it would lodge a diplomatic protest against China over its actions at Scarborough Shoal.
New York Post
12 hours ago
- General
- New York Post
US sailor, 19, declared lost at sea after going missing off Australia coast, remembered as a ‘hero'
A 19-year-old US sailor has been declared lost at sea after he was assumed to have gone overboard the USS George Washington off the coast of Australia. Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV was identified as the missing sailor by the Navy on Aug. 1. Rivera Lynch served as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman onboard the aircraft carrier and went missing on July 28, only hours after a 'positive' phone call with his parents. 'At just 19 years old, Jose faithfully served his country with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others,' his family revealed in a GoFundMe. 5 Sailor Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV was declared lost at sea by the Navy on July 30, 2025. Jose Rivera/Facebook 'Jose was more than a sailor — he was a loving son, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend whose laughter and light touched everyone around him. His sudden loss has left our family heartbroken and navigating the unimaginable grief of losing someone so young and full of promise,' the family added. A search and rescue operation was launched for the missing sailor and included several Naval vessels and was assisted by the Australian Defense and Australian Border Forces. Officials called off the search that lasted 45 hours and spanned an area of roughly 2,200 square miles on July 30, the Navy announced. The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft was navigating the Timor Sea north of Australia when Rivera Lynch was reported missing. 5 Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV in his Service Dress Whites with his father Jose Antonio Rivera. Jose Rivera/Facebook 5 The USS George Washington sails near the Colombian Coast in the Pacific Ocean on June 29, 2024. AFP via Getty Images Rivera Lynch had spoken with his parents just 12 hours beforehand, at around 10 a.m., and expressed how tired he had become due to his long workdays. 'We noticed the tiredness, we noticed that, and then he said, 'I love you guys,' ' the sailor's father Juan Antonio Rivera III told News4Jax. 'I said, 'You're the best of me. You've been to places I've never been and we are so proud of you.' 'That was the last thing I said to my son,' the heartbroken father said. Rivera Lynch came from a long line of military service, following in the footsteps of his sister, father and grandfather. 'He is my hero,' Rivera said. The Middleburg, Florida, native enlisted in the military as a 17-year-old in high school, as part of the Navy's delayed enlistment program, before joining in June 2024. 5 Rivera Lynch came from a long line of military service, following in the footsteps of his sister, father and grandfather. Jose Rivera/Facebook 5 Rivera Lynch enlisted in the military as a 17-year-old in high school, as part of the Navy's delayed enlistment program, before joining in June 2024. Jose Rivera/Facebook He was assigned to the aircraft carrier when it was stationed at its homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, in January. The mourning father remembered his son for his service and personality. 'He was vibrant, educated, humble. He served his country, he served the Navy and he has made his family proud,' he said. Rivera Lynch's family held a memorial earlier this month and he will be honored during a funeral and memorial service by the Navy on Sept. 19, in Yokosuka, Japan. 'Our thoughts and prayers remain with Airman Rivera Lynch's family, friends, and shipmates during this incredibly difficult time,' Carrier Strike Group 5 Commander Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, said according to USNI News. 'The courage and dedication shown by all personnel involved in this operation exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that defines our Navy.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
HMS Prince of Wales leads world's biggest naval fleet after Russia's huge drills
UK's Carrier Strike Group, which includes the HMS Prince of Wales, was joined by two US carriers including the US Nimitz-class supercarrier and Japan's JS Kaga carrier A UK aircraft carrier has teamed up with vessels from Japan and the United States to form one of the world's most formidable naval fleets, in response to extensive naval exercises conducted by Russia. This display of military strength took place in the Northern Philippine Sea as part of Operation Highmast, spearheaded by the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The eight-month worldwide deployment is designed to enable the Royal Navy to integrate with allied systems and conduct drills across the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. Operation Highmast's recent venture comes on the heels of Russia's July Storm exercises, which saw the participation of over 150 ships and 15,000 personnel from various fleets across the globe's seas and oceans. Russian President Vladimir Putin sanctioned July Storm, supervised by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, to assess the readiness of the country's navy. The exercises included practising deployment to potential combat zones, anti-submarine warfare, safeguarding bases and shipping routes, and thwarting attacks from enemy drones and aircraft, reports the Express. The Queen Elizabeth-class carrier HMS Prince of Wales was accompanied by two US carriers, including the US Nimitz-class supercarrier and Japan's JS Kaga carrier, potentially creating the world's most powerful current operational naval force. Each carrier vessel was equipped with fighter jets, helicopters and supporting craft, while dozens of combat aircraft soared above the group, which also featured a US Wasp/America-class amphibious assault ship. The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is set to engage in joint exercises with the US Navy, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Australian Defence Force during Operation Highmast. A series of port visits and manoeuvres are planned to evaluate the coalition's preparedness for a variety of combat situations, as well as to conduct integrated air operations with 617 Squadron's F-35B Lightning II jets and anti-submarine warfare exercises. "The significance of this mission and its implications for global security are paramount," declared the Royal Air Force, highlighting the importance of the operation scheduled for June. "This operation is critical for ensuring a secure future for all NATO members and like-minded global allies. Through collaboration and innovation, the UK and its partners are poised to address future challenges with confidence and resilience." Just last week, HMS Prince of Wales stocked up on provisions, taking on food, engineering parts, and ammunition for the first time since it left the UK in April. In military terms, known as Replenishment at Sea (RAS), the flagship carrier was "resupplied with fuel by Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring on her portside and with munitions and provisions by the US Navy's USNS Wally Schirra on the starboard," as reported by the Royal Navy. As the CSG advances towards Japan, it will navigate through some of the world's most hotly contested waters, showcasing a high-profile commitment to freedom of navigation. Images shared by the allied nation's Maritime Self-Defense Force depict the carriers and guards of the three nations in formation, with allied aircraft and helicopters populating their decks.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
US aircraft carrier makes Philippines port call
MANILA: The nuclear-powered US carrier George Washington arrived off the Philippine capital Thursday for a port visit, as the two allies increase defence cooperation aimed at contesting China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. The Nimitz-class vessel's port call came the same day that China's first domestically produced aircraft carrier, the Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong. Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, through which more than 60 percent of global maritime trade passes, despite an international ruling its assertion has no merit. 'The US Navy along with our allies and partners are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,' the ship's spokesman, Lieutenant-Commander Mark Langford, told AFP by email, without offering further details about the visit. 'These operations demonstrate the commitment to stability in the region, a commitment we uphold throughout the year and regardless of current events,' Langford said, calling the Philippines a 'long-standing and critical ally'. Manila and Washington have deepened their cooperation since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022 and began pushing back on Beijing's South China Sea claims. Bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty, the two allies conduct frequent maritime exercises in the South China Sea. The Philippine and US coast guards in May conducted their first-ever joint military drills in the archipelago nation's coastal waters. The Shandong, which sailed off the northern Philippines in April, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday after concluding combat drills in the western Pacific alongside fellow Chinese aircraft carrier the Liaoning. The US Department of Defense said in a December report that China numerically has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. – AFP
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
US aircraft carrier makes Philippines port call
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The aircraft carrier George Washington's port call came the same day that China's first domestically produced vessel sailed into Hong Kong. MANILA - The nuclear-powered US carrier George Washington arrived off the Philippine capital on July 3 for a port visit, as the two allies increase defence cooperation aimed at contesting China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. The Nimitz-class vessel's port call came the same day that China's first domestically produced aircraft carrier, the Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong . Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, through which more than 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes, despite an international ruling its assertion has no merit. 'The US Navy along with our allies and partners are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,' the ship's spokesman, Lieutenant-Commander Mark Langford, told AFP by email, without offering further details about the visit. 'These operations demonstrate the commitment to stability in the region, a commitment we uphold throughout the year and regardless of current events,' he said, calling the Philippines a 'long-standing and critical ally'. Manila and Washington have deepened their cooperation since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022 and began pushing back on Beijing's South China Sea claims. Bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty, the two allies conduct frequent maritime exercises in the South China Sea. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore PAP questions Pritam's interview with Malaysian podcast, says politics should stop at water's edge World Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain Sport Liverpool star Diogo Jota dead at 28: What you need to know about the footballer Business 60 S'pore firms to get AI boost from Tata Consultancy as it launches a new innovation centre here Singapore Scoot launches flights to Da Nang, Kota Bharu and Nha Trang; boosts frequency to other destinations Singapore Electrician who bit off part of coworker's ear during fight gets 6 months' jail Asia 4 dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali The Philippine and US coast guards in May conducted their first-ever joint military drills in the archipelago nation's coastal waters. The Shandong, which sailed off the northern Philippines in April, arrived in Hong Kong on July 3 after concluding combat drills in the western Pacific alongside fellow Chinese aircraft carrier the Liaoning. The US Department of Defence said in a December report that China numerically has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. AFP
