One of the U.S. Navy’s six aircraft carriers stationed on the West Coast recently returned from the Middle East and is now navigating the Indo-Pacific region, addressing what some call America’s “sea power gap.”
Meanwhile, one of China’s three active carriers was spotted in the nearby Bohai Sea, while the others were docked in their respective ports. Additionally, an Italian aircraft carrier is operating in the South China Sea as part of a joint exercise with the U.S. and Australia.
Aircraft carriers play a vital role in demonstrating a nation’s maritime power and supporting foreign policy initiatives. The U.S. Navy leads the pack with 11 carriers, while China holds the second position with three.
U.S. Navy Updates
USS Theodore Roosevelt: Indian Ocean
The Theodore Roosevelt has been in the Middle East since mid-July but is now transitioning to the Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility, which spans from the Pacific Coast to India’s western maritime borders.
It was expected to reach the Indo-Pacific region on Thursday, moving from the Gulf of Oman to the Indian Ocean, according to the Pentagon. At the same time, the USS Abraham Lincoln, which arrived in the Middle East in late August, continues its operations in the Gulf of Oman.
Both carriers are stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, with the Theodore Roosevelt departing in January and the Abraham Lincoln setting sail in July.
USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan: Bremerton, Washington
The Nimitz is docked at Naval Base Kitsap, gearing up for retirement in 2026. Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan is also in Bremerton, following a hull swap to replace the George Washington, and is preparing for a significant maintenance period scheduled for March 2025.
USS Carl Vinson and USS George Washington: San Diego, California
Recent satellite images confirm both the Carl Vinson and the George Washington are currently docked at Naval Air Station North Island. The George Washington is getting ready to head to Yokosuka soon as the Navy’s forward-deployed carrier.
People’s Liberation Army Navy Highlights
CNS Liaoning: Qingdao, Shandong
China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, remains pierside at its home port in Qingdao, with recent satellite imagery showing it was in the Bohai Sea for training before returning to the port.
CNS Shandong: Sanya, Hainan
The second Chinese carrier, the Shandong, was recently seen at its home port in Sanya. It set sail to evade Typhoon Yagi, demonstrating quick adaptability in shifting weather conditions.
Sentinel Hub
CNS Fujian: Bohai Sea
China’s most advanced carrier, the Fujian, has been conducting its fourth trial in the Bohai Sea, recently departing from Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard.
Sentinel Hub
Italian Navy Spotlight
ITS Cavour: South China Sea
The Italian Navy reported that the Cavour recently wrapped up its visit to Manila before participating in exercises in the South China Sea alongside the U.S. and Australian forces. This collaboration showcases the ongoing advancements in regional partnerships, as noted by Vice Admiral Fred Kacher.
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John A. Miller/U.S. Navy
The Cavour is set to journey to Indonesia and Singapore next, with plans to visit India, Pakistan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia before returning to Italy in November.