PHOTOS: U.S. Navy's Three-Carrier Strike Force Exercise in Western Pacific

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) along with their strike groups transit the Western Pacific, November 12, 2017. U.S. Navy Photo

The United States Navy has conducted a rare three-carrier strike force exercise in the Western Pacific over the weekend – the first such meeting in more than a decade.

The exercise involved the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) strike groups, along with ships from the Republic of Korea Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The exercise meant to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s capability to operate multiple carrier strike groups as a coordinated strike force effort. It included conduct air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishment at sea, defensive air combat training, close-in coordinated maneuvers and other training.

This is the first time that three carrier strike groups have operated together in the Western Pacific since exercises Valiant Shield 2006 and 2007 off the coast of Guam.

“It is a rare opportunity to train with two aircraft carriers together, and even rarer to be able to train with three,” said U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander, Adm. Scott Swift. “Multiple carrier strike force operations are very complex, and this exercise in the Western Pacific is a strong testament to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s unique ability and ironclad commitment to the continued security and stability of the region.”

Here are some more photos of the exercise: