Manila Bulletin: US Navy in South China Sea, Western Pacific to keep seas free
The Public Affairs chief of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) yesterday reiterated that their presence in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific is meant to keep the seas free and commerce moving freely in the area.
Lt. Commander Tim Hawkins, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs officer, made the remark during an interview on board the aircraft carrier as part of the tour it hosted for both local and foreign journalists yesterday.
“The reason why we are operating in the Western Pacific, well the Navy has been doing it for years. For 70 years we have been operating routinely not only in the South China Sea but throughout the Western Pacific to do a few things, to work with our partners and allies, not only work with our partners and allies but also promote regional security, stability and kind of reassert our belief that all should operate in accordance with international law, rules, standards and norms in order to keep the seas free and commerce moving freely,” Hawkins said.
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