Nimitz and Ronald Reagan Strike Groups, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Force conduct dual carrier operations in the South China Sea

South China Sea and the “Chinese Code” 

Navy Adm. Philip S. Davidson, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, spoke at the Halifax International Security Forum, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. By David Vergun, DOD

Freedom of navigation by air and by sea is important globally, including in the South China Sea, where trillions of dollars in commerce transit each year, he said.

However, over the years, China has been militarizing islands in the South China Sea and has increased its capability there, he said.

Now, China wants to come up with a code of conduct between it and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for operating in those waters, he said.

ASEAN is a group of nations in Southeast Asia that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its 10 members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Davidson urged ASEAN nations to ensure such an agreement, if reached, does not restrict their freedom of navigation and limit their ability to operate there for commerce and exercises.

The U.S. has increased its operations in the South China Sea, Davidson said. Several exercises were conducted there in September and October and two freedom of navigation exercises were conducted there in the last week or two.

As well, navigation in those waters will pick up as the U.S. continues to rotate its forces through Singapore and projects air and sea power from bases in Japan, he added.

Nimitz, Reagan Demonstrate Unmatched Commitment to Free and Open Indo-Pacific by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Codie L. Soule

The Nimitz and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Force are conducting dual carrier operations in the South China Sea, July 6.

The Nimitz and Ronald Reagan strike groups conducted several exercises and operations to strengthen warfighting readiness and proficiency in an all-domain environment. Integrated operations included air defense exercises, tactical maneuvering drills, simulated long-range maritime strike scenarios, and coordinated air and surface exercises to maintain combat readiness and maritime superiority.

“Reagan’s object is ‘Peace Through Strength,’ and that is exactly what her dedicated Sailors bring to this theater,” said Capt. Pat Hannifin, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Committed to our allies and a free and open Indo-Pacific, Reagan brings a flexibility and combat lethality unmatched anywhere in the world. These operations with Nimitz demonstrate that we are but one component of a much larger and equally committed naval force.”

Dual carrier operations provide increased reach, power projection, and continuity of operations, particularly in the air domain. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, embarked aboard Ronald Reagan, and CVW-17, embarked aboard Nimitz, launched and recovered hundreds of aircraft daily, continually operating around-the-clock. Together, the strike force was able to extend the reach of air superiority, and provide greater security throughout the region.

“Working together with another Carrier Air Wing provides advanced opportunities for our squadrons to conduct high-end training, and increase our warfighting readiness,” said Capt. Michael Rovenolt, commanding officer of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. “Our forces provide combatant commanders with significant operational flexibility to respond to regional contingencies.”

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group arrived to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations June 17, and has been conducting routine security and stability operations in the Indo-Pacific.

“Working together with the Ronald Reagan carrier strike group provides advanced, high-end training opportunities that increase our warfighting readiness,” said Capt. Todd Cimicata, Commander, Carrier Air Wing 17. “Dual carrier operations demonstrate unique U.S. capabilities, increase carrier strike force command and control experience, and show our commitment to regional allies. Additionally, our operations reinforce the rights, freedoms, and lawful use of the sea and airspace guaranteed by international law.”

Air defense in a Carrier Strike Force incorporates the capabilities of the embarked fixed and rotary wing aircraft, along with Aegis guided-missile cruisers and destroyers. This provides multi-layered, early detection capabilities to defend the Force against potential airborne threats.

During air defense and strike exercises, aircraft from Nimitz and Reagan simulate enemy attacks testing the force’s ability to detect, intercept, and engage threats. The exercises increase pilot proficiency while giving shipboard tactical watch standers hands-on experience coordinating defense in a realistic environment.

“The ships and Sailors in Destroyer Squadron Nine have been working hard to increase our tactical proficiency in long range maritime strike and anti-submarine warfare,” said Capt. Todd Whalen, commodore, Destroyer Squadron Nine. “On this Fourth of July at sea, it’s a privilege to stand the watch with our teammates in Nimitz and Ronald Reagan Strike Groups to protect freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.”

The U.S. Navy regularly conducts integrated strike group operations that demonstrate commitment of presence and stability in the region, as well as training opportunities that increase fleet wide tactical proficiency.

In Nov. 2018, the Ronald Reagan and John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups conducted combined operations in the Philippine Sea.

In Sept. 2014, the George Washington and Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Groups operated in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

In 2009, The George Washington and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups operated together in the Western Pacific, and in 2001, the Constellation and Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Groups operated together in the South China Sea.

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), CVW-17, the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104), and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114).

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), CVW-5, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.