The U.S. Navy announced that the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has started its South China Sea patrol on Feb. 18.
170204-N-BL637-204 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 04, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano/Released)
The aircraft carrier is escorted by destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer.
The service stress that this is not the first time the Carl Vinson has operated in the area. The flattop first came to South China Sea back in 1983.
