Two US and French aircraft carrier strike groups headed to the East Sea

The US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is heading to the South China Sea with the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, amid multiple visits by the two groups of ships in the region.

US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson arrives in Thailand on January 27

USNI News reported on February 1 that the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group of the US Navy is heading to the East Sea with the French Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group, after concluding a visit to Thailand on December 31.

Previously, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked at Laem Chabang (Chonburi province, Thailand) on January 27 after 3 weeks of operations in the East Sea. The group also included the cruiser USS Princeton and 2 destroyers USS Sterett and USS William P. Lawrence.

In Thailand, the USS William P. Lawrence collided with the USS Princeton, causing damage to the superstructure of both ships but no injuries. The damage did not prevent the two ships from leaving port, as ship tracking data showed the two ships and their crews leaving in the Gulf of Thailand.

Before docking at Laem Chabang port, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier welcomed Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on January 26.

"Port visits like this demonstrate the vital importance of the US-Thailand alliance and partnership, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific region. We have a shared history, common interests, and common values that will continue to unite us for the good of our two nations," said Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, commander of US Carrier Strike Group 1.

Now, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group is headed to the South China Sea with a French group of ships, including the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, the destroyer Forbin, two frigates Provence and Alsace, along with the supply ship Jacques Chevallier and a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

The French aircraft carrier strike group is on deployment called Clemenceau 25 in the Indo- Pacific region.

French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle

On January 28, the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier docked at Lombok port in its first visit to Indonesia, according to a statement from the Indonesian Navy. Meanwhile, the remaining ships in the group visited Benoa port in Bali.

In addition, the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Hobart arrived at Benoa on January 26 and left two days later for Subic Bay in the Philippines.

The Forbin and Provence will head to Manila, Philippines, while the Alsace will head to Okinawa, Japan, according to a statement from the Indonesian Navy. The statement did not mention when the Charles De Gaulle will depart, but it is expected to leave on February 3.

The French aircraft carrier will also head to Manila and the group will participate in the Pacific Stellar exercise in the Philippine Sea with Australia, Canada and Japan.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hai-nhom-tac-chien-tau-san-bay-my-phap-huong-vao-bien-dong-185250201143911388.htm