US Aircraft Carrier to Visit South Korea for First Time Since 2018 Amid Concerns of Pyongyang Nuclear Test

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) followed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) in the Philippine Sea, on July 19, 2020. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Hong/Handout via Reuters

A U.S. aircraft carrier will visit South Korea this week for joint drills for the first time in about four years, officials of both countries said on Monday, as the allies seek to deploy U.S. nuclear-capable “strategic assets” amid concerns the North Korean regime will soon conduct a nuclear test.

USS Ronald Reagan will arrive at a naval base in the southern port city of Busan on Sept. 23, South Korea’s Navy said in a statement.