Powerful picture-perfect presence....
SOUTH CHINA SEA (October 6, 2019) -- United States Navy ships -- including nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) (top image, left), amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) (right), and their cruiser/destroyer escorts – conduct formation steaming, shiphandling and breakaway maneuvers during a routine maritime patrol in these increasingly volatile waters.
That dashed red line surrounding most of the South China Sea is the area claimed by China as its own....in violation of every maritime law, rule and tradition. China seeks to control the vital sea trade routes through the region.
* * * *
A take on the old axiom “possession is 9/10 of the law” applies here….where “presence is 9/10 of law.” Just being there, and operating normally, sends a subtle, yet powerful, message to the aggressive and threatening Chinese military in the region: “Back off!”
_____________________
>>CLICK the top images for a closer look….
>>Photos: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erwin Jacob V. Miciano, USN