ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE - The U.S. Navy is conducting routine carrier operations in international waters east of the Korean Peninsula May 13-14.

Following their port visit in Busan, Republic of Korea, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group (NIMCSG) began routine operations with the Republic of Korea Navy.

U.S. Navy ships scheduled to participate include the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with the embarked Commander Carrier Strike Group 11 and carrier Air Wing 11; the guided-missile cruisers USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Chosin (CG 65); and guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).

The operations are taking place beyond the territorial seas of any coastal nations and are intended to reinforce regional security and stability, enhance interoperability with our allies, and increase operational proficiency and readiness. The operations include integrated flight operations, air defense events, surface warfare training events, precision ship maneuvers, and liaison officer exchanges.

The U.S. Navy frequently operates in international waters around the world and has conducted numerous operations and exercises in this area. Most recently, the USS George Washington (CVN 73) CSG conducted similar operations in the waters west of the Korean Peninsula in June 2012. Similarly, and aside from Nimitz's visit that concluded yesterday, U.S. aircraft carriers frequently visit the Korean Peninsula; most recently USS George Washington in June 2012.

The U.S. Navy is committed to helping enhance the security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and our forward-presence activities and engagements in this region are routine. U.S. military operations and exercises are a part of a larger forward-presence posture to strengthen our alliances and partnerships, and established security cooperation activities. U.S. forward presence is in accordance with international law, preserves the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea guaranteed to all nations, and contributes to economic development and international commerce.