Navy – and our task force commanders out here get the full support of the ‘home office’ in Washington.” The carrier air wing that operates from the George Washington is the most advanced in the U.S. I get the front-line submarine deployments out here. “I get the preponderance of Virginia-class warships. The capacity is coming – more numbers over time – but it’s the capability that’s leading the charge here. “From a military point of view – my narrow swim lane of responsibility – we measure our presence in two ways: capability and capacity. We’re slowly shifting from a 50/50 mix in the United States Navy to a 40% Atlantic, 60% Pacific mix,” he added, referring to the gradual swing away from traditional areas of operation in the West. “But I would offer that the 7th Fleet never left – we’ve been a strong presence here for the past 70 years. “From a policy perspective it’s a shift in balance of not only our resources but our thinking across diplomatic, information, economic and military lines to the Pacific. Thomas, told CNN aboard the giant vessel amid the muffled roar of jet engines from the flight deck directly above. “It’s a long-term effort for us here,” Fleet commander Vice Admiral Robert L. Add to this the fleet’s numerous missile destroyers, cruisers and submarines and the statement of intent is clear to see – Washington is serious about its role in the region. The flagship of its 7th fleet, the Nimitz-class USS George Washington aircraft carrier boasts a formidable arsenal from the latest FA-18 fighter jets, to anti-submarine helicopters and early-warning surveillance aircraft. USS George Washington, East China Sea CNNīy his own admission, one of the U.S Navy’s top commanders says his Pacific fleet “gets all the best stuff” when it comes to state-of-the-art weaponry – an undeniable reflection of President Barack Obama’s so-called pivot towards Asia.
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