South Korea, US begin joint naval exercise
(VOVWORLD) - South Korea and the United States began a joint naval exercise on Monday in the East China Sea to reinforce readiness against growing military threats in the region.
 The three US aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (left top), USS Ronald Reagan (left center), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (left bottom) join the South Korean destroyer (center, top and bottom) in waters off South Korea's eastern coast. (Archive photo: AFP/VNA)
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The three-day exercise involves nine vessels and two patrol aircraft, including two South Korean submarines, the ROKS Yulgok Yi I destroyer, the USS Shoup Aegis-equipped destroyer and the USS Robert Smalls cruiser.
The anti-submarine and live-fire drills were designed to strengthen the allies' combined operational capabilities and interoperability.
This exercise will prepare forces to respond to nuclear and missile threats and further solidify their combined defense posture, Rear Admiral Kim In-ho said.