Korea, US, Japan stage trilateral anti-submarine drills
Warships from the naval forces of South Korea, the United States and Japan participate in an exercise in international waters of the East Sea, Friday. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Navy By Kang Seung-wooThe naval forces of South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted a three-way anti-submarine warfare exercise, Friday, in international waters of the East Sea amid North Korea's growing threats, including its submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The drill carried added significance as it was the first of its kind in five years, as the previous administrations of Seoul and Washington had scaled back exercises in a bid to diplomatically engage North Korea.According to the Republic of Korea Navy, the drill featured its Munmu the Great destroyer and Japan's Asahi-class destroyer as well as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including USS Ronald Reagan, Ticonderoga-class USS Chancellorsville guided-missile cruiser and Arleigh Burke-class USS Barry guided-missile destroyer. The Navy said the training was designed to strengthen the capability to respond effectively
