U.S. and China’s Aircraft Carriers Mobilized in the Pacific

From Maritime Fairtrade

On a recent Sunday, both the United States and China mobilized their aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific, accentuating the intensifying competition for naval dominance in the region. This development reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly as the U.S. Navy’s USS George Washington, recently returned to its home port in Japan after a maintenance period in Virginia, embarked on sea trials. The carrier had not been operational since its return, which took place last November.

The USS George Washington plays a crucial role in the U.S. strategy amid China’s assertive military expansion. The carrier is part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, tasked with operations in both the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its departure from Yokosuka naval base was confirmed by local government postings and involved aircraft practicing carrier landings on Iwo To, a Japanese island located south of Tokyo.