2 Carrier Groups Flex Muscle in Pacific

The Navy has deployed two carrier strike groups into the Western Pacific in a show of force. The John C. Stennis and Ronald Reagan strike groups began conducting dual carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea on June 18, the Navy reported. While the navy stated that the exercises all are taking place in international waters, China recently has asserted that parts of the South China Sea actually exist within its borders – specifically, surrounding two manmade islands it constructed that serve as strategic outposts. Accompanying Reagan are: cruisers Shiloh and Chancellorsville; guided-missile destroyers Wilbur, McCampbell, and Benfold, from Destroyer Squadron 21; and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. Accompanying Stennis are: cruiser Mobile Bay; and guided-missile destroyers Stockdale, Chung-Hoon, and William P. Lawrence, from Destroyer Squadron 15; and CVW 5.