The USS Ronald Reagan (left) and a fast-attack submarine (right) conduct joint exercises with South Korea and Japan in the East Sea on Sept. 30, 2022 | Image: U.S. Pacific Fleet, edited by NK News
The U.S. and South Korea kicked off another round of naval exercises on Friday, according to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), following more North Korean missile tests and a rare fighter jet firing drill in recent days.
“From Friday to Saturday, the U.S. and ROK will conduct joint maneuvers in the East Sea to strengthen our combined defense posture,” the press release states, adding that the drills demonstrate the alliance’s ability to respond to “any and all provocations by North Korea.”
The U.S. and South Korea kicked off another round of naval exercises on Friday, according to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), following more North Korean missile tests and a rare fighter jet firing drill in recent days.
“From Friday to Saturday, the U.S. and ROK will conduct joint maneuvers in the East Sea to strengthen our combined defense posture,” the press release states, adding that the drills demonstrate the alliance’s ability to respond to “any and all provocations by North Korea.”
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Ethan Jewell is a Seoul-based correspondent for NK News focused on sanctions, trade and maritime issues. He previously worked as an investigations and intelligence specialist for Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management and as a research intern for the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies.