Kim Jong Un Holds Live Fire Drill…. US Responds With Nuclear-Powered Sub
While North Korea reportedly conducted a live-fire drill that involved up to 400 artillery pieces on Tuesday, the U.S. parked a powerful weapon in coastal waters near the rogue nation.
The nuclear-powered submarine USS Michigan arrived the South Korean port of Busan for a hull check just in time for the drill, according to a statement released by the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Pyongyang reportedly conducted the artillery drill, timed to the 85th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean army, in the coastal region of Wonsan, according to Fox News.
The submarine’s visit was part of a “regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific,” Fox reported.
“U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations,” Lt. Cmdr. Matt Knight told Fox, adding that he could not comment on any further details about the mission.
The visit might have been regularly scheduled, but there’s no denying the Michigan carries enough weaponry to send a clear message to North Korea that the United States means business.
One of the largest submarines in the world at more than 560 feet long, the Michigan is equipped with guided missiles that, according to the Pacific Fleet, “provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, guided-missile submarines are capable of launching missile strikes and supporting Special Operation Forces missions.”
The submarine joins an armada of U.S. forces already in the area.
The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group also arrived in the Philippine Sea south of Japan, according to senior U.S. defense officials, Fox News reported.
The U.K. Guardian also reported that the South Korean Yonhap News Agency confirmed the U.S. military also started carrying parts the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile defense system to an area in South Korea.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the North appeared ready to perform “strategic provocations” at any time, Fox reported. South Korean Acting Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn reportedly instructed his military to assume an “immediate response posture” if the North chooses to act out.
The news that an American nuclear submarine was docked so close to his country probably irritated North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, but if he has half a brain, he will consider the amount of military might he faces before doing something stupid.
Share this story on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word that President Donald Trump is sending a strong message to Kim.
What do you think about this submarine docking close to North Korea?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for commenting. Your comments are needed for helping to improve the discussion.