Russian Aircraft Buzzes USS Carl Vinson Amid Rising Tensions in Western Pacific
A Russian military aircraft was reportedly filmed flying low over the USS Carl Vinson, escorted by U.S. fighter jets. This incident comes as the Carl Vinson transitions to the Middle East amid rising tensions related to military actions in Yemen. The U.S. Navy emphasizes its commitment to maintaining air superiority in the region.
A video has surfaced reportedly depicting a Russian military aircraft in close proximity to the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, while American fighter jets escort it. The U.S. Pacific Fleet and Russian military have been contacted for comments about this incident.
The USS Carl Vinson is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier equipped with nine naval aviation squadrons, including the advanced F-35C Lightning II. This encounter follows the carrier’s recent redeployment to the Middle East from the Western Pacific amid increasing military actions against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The footage, thought to be filmed from the Carl Vinson, was shared on Instagram by the account ryans_warbirds. It features a Russian Il-38N aircraft performing a low flyby of the carrier, closely escorted by two U.S. fighter jets (one F-35C and one F/A-18F), which belong to Carrier Air Wing 2 tasked with maintaining air superiority.
Users on Instagram noted that the Russian aircraft had been frequently approaching the carrier, and the Carl Vinson was reportedly operating in the Sea of Japan as of March 15. The Sea of Japan is bordered by Russia, South Korea, and Japan, indicating the strategic nature of its waters.
A Russian Telegram channel claimed that Il-38 aircraft were engaged in combat training in the Sea of Japan. They also posted potential photos showing U.S. and South Korean aircraft monitoring the Russian aircraft, though these images have not been verified.
Following a trilateral naval exercise with Japan and South Korea, the USS Carl Vinson made a stop in Guam, with operations concentrated in the U.S. 7th Fleet area, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet.
The U.S. Navy emphasized the importance of its operations in keeping the Indo-Pacific region free and open, while the carrier air wing stated its mission includes executing air warfare operations and coordinating missions. The Il-38N serves a critical role in anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance within Russian naval operations.
Another aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, is being deployed in the Western Pacific, raising questions about potential Russian surveillance activities as it approaches the Sea of Japan.
The recent incident involving a Russian aircraft and the USS Carl Vinson underscores tensions in the Western Pacific amidst escalating military activity. It highlights the U.S. Navy’s strategic operations in the region and raises concerns regarding the potential for future encounters, especially with another carrier, the USS Nimitz, being deployed. The ongoing surveillance by Russian aircraft signifies a complex maritime security environment requiring close attention.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
