Show Of Force: San Diego-Based Ships, Marines Converge In Disputed South China Sea

San Diego CA

10 April, 2021

2:08 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego April 9, 2021 American naval power from San Diego was on full display in the disputed South China Sea this week when the Makin Island Ready Group joined the USS Theodore Roosevelt for maneuvers. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier sailed in formation with the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and accompanying cruisers, destroyers and amphibious warships. The flotilla is bristling with over 100 jet fighters, helicopters and tiltrotors, as well as 5,000 embarked Marines from Camp Pendleton, demonstrating U.S. power to enforce freedom of navigation in international waters. "Combining the capabilities of the carrier strike group with those of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group sharpens our tactical skills and demonstrates our continued dedication to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific," said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine. "The combined Navy and Marine Corps team has been a stabilizing force in this region for more than a century and will continue to support all who share in the collective vision of peace, stability, and freedom of the seas," he added. China is fortifying tiny islands in the area and seeking to claim jurisdiction, while the Navy frequently transits the area, though seldom with a force this large. "This expeditionary strike force fully demonstrates that we maintain a combat-credible force, capable of responding to any contingency, deter aggression, and provide regional security and stability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Capt. Stewart Bateshansky, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 3. Accompanying the Roosevelt and Makin Island are the guided-missile cruisers USS Bunker Hill and USS Port Royal, guided-missile destroyer USS Russell, and amphibious transport dock ships USS Somerset and USS San Diego. All are based in San Diego, except the Port Royal, which is based in Pear Harbor. The Theodore Roosevelt and its group departed San Diego on Dec. 23, while the Makin Island officially deployed in late November following training off Hawaii. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.