TOKYO (Sputnik) — The commander of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan said on Friday that Russian anti-submarine planes flying near the US ship was "normal operations" and was not an offer of aerial engagement.
On Tuesday, the United States began aircraft carrier drills with South Korea, involving the USS Ronald Reagan. Two Russian naval reconnaissance aircraft flew within one nautical mile of the US aircraft carrier as it sailed in the Sea of Japan. The move prompted the US vessel to deploy its fighter jets to escort the Russian aircraft out of the vicinity of the ship.
The Russian jets just "wanted to come and look" at the USS Reagan performing maneuvers in the Sea of Japan, he stated.
On Thursday, commenting on US jets escorting Russian aircraft, US Defense Department spokesman Bill Urban told RIA Novosti that US escort of Russian planes is standard operating procedure for planes flying close to US Navy ships.
The United States and South Korea have long had friendly ties, and regularly cooperate in military and economic spheres. Washington conducts annual military exercises with South Korea, and has military bases in the country.
