Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Following North Korea's long-range missile launch after its 4th nuclear test, the Korean and US governments decided to additionally deploy the US strategic asset and show the combined force operations at a military level, responding to North Korea's provocation.

The deployment of the US strategic asset represents the strong will of the US government to respond to the North Korean nuclear and missile threats, as well as to provide means of extended deterrence for Korea.

This includes the nuclear-powered attack aircraft carriers the USS Ronald Reagan and USS John C. Stennis, nuclear-powered submarines, F-22 fighters, B-2 bombers and more, which will be deployed in the Korean Peninsula to respond to North Korea's launch of a long-range missile.

The USS Ronald Reagan, which belonged to the US Seventh Fleet with Yokosuka, Japan, as a home port, and the USS John C. Stennis which will depart Kitsap naval base in Bremerton, Washington, its home port, are being deployed in the East Asian region and are expected to participate in KR(Key Resolve)/FE(Foal Eagle) training this year.

Both are mega aircraft carriers with a displacement of 90,000 tons and can load 80 aircraft, including F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-2C early warning aircraft, etc.

There is a possibility that nuclear-powered submarines armed with Tomahawk missiles, a cruise missile with a range of 2,500km, as well as Aegis destroyers will also be placed as a show of force against North Korea.

In addition, F-22 fighters and B-2 bombers, which can penetrate North Korea's radar fence, are likely to be deployed in Korea.

By Seok-Jong, Lee < seokjong@dema.mil.kr >

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