The US is conducting joint drills with Japanese Forces in the in the East China Sea. The exercise was launched on Tuesday and aimed to show strength and presence against North Korean agressive demeanor in the region. A US Navy carrier strike group, including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, and Japanese destroyers participate the military drill.
North Korea had launched four missiles in the past few days, angering both US and Japan.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)