The United States has successfully returned one of its West Coast-based aircraft carriers to the Western Pacific following a two-month deployment in the Middle East.
This month, all three of China’s aircraft carriers are at sea, with one operating near Taiwan, which China considers its own territory, and another near Japan, a key ally of the U.S. in Asia.
Additionally, an aircraft carrier from NATO member Italy is currently in the South China Sea after conducting joint exercises with the U.S. and Australia.
U.S. Navy Updates
USS Theodore Roosevelt: South China Sea
Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Holloway/U.S. Navy
The Theodore Roosevelt has re-entered the South China Sea, transitioning back after being stationed in the Middle East since July 12. After returning to its scheduled assignments in the Western Pacific, it arrived in the Singapore Strait on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln remains in the Middle East after diverting from the Western Pacific on August 21.
Both carriers hail from Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. The Theodore Roosevelt departed in January and the Abraham Lincoln in July.
USS Ronald Reagan: Bremerton, Washington
The Ronald Reagan returned to Naval Base Kitsap on August 13 and is gearing up for a major maintenance program starting in March 2025 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
Recently, sailors conducted drills in the hangar bay while the ship was docked.
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kazia Ream/U.S. Navy
USS Carl Vinson: San Diego, California
The Carl Vinson is currently docked at Naval Air Station North Island after returning from Hawaii on August 15. It took part in a one-day family cruise shortly after.
USS Nimitz and USS George Washington: Eastern Pacific Ocean
The Nimitz conducted training exercises after leaving Naval Base Kitsap on September 13 and made a quick stop at Naval Air Station North Island before heading out again.
The George Washington has also set off from Naval Air Station North Island, preparing to replace the Ronald Reagan as the Navy’s forward-deployed carrier in Yokosuka this fall.
People’s Liberation Army Navy Developments
CNS Liaoning: Philippine Sea
Japan’s defense ministry
China’s first operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has moved from the East China Sea to the Philippine Sea, navigating near Taiwanese waters, as reported by the Japanese Defense Ministry.
CNS Shandong: South China Sea
Sentinel Hub
The Shandong, China’s first domestically built carrier, has also set sail from its base in Hainan.
CNS Fujian: Bohai Sea
Sentinel Hub
The most advanced Chinese carrier, Fujian, is currently in the Bohai Sea conducting tests after recently departing Shanghai.
Italian Navy Activity
ITS Cavour: Singapore
The Cavour continues its deployment in the Indo-Pacific, having participated in joint exercises with U.S. and Australian forces after brief stops in Manila and Jakarta. Its next ports of call include India, Pakistan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, with plans to return to Italy by November.