Authored by Kyle Anzalone via The Libertarian Institute,

The USS Carl Vinson arrived in South Korea at the start of this week. The move was a show of force and drew a sharp rebuke from Pyongyang.

A Pentagon press release said the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which serves as the flagship of the Navy's Carrier Strike Group One, "arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled port visit" beginning March 2, adding that "The visit to Busan exemplifies the US commitment to the region, further enhancing relationships with ROK leaders and the local population."

Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander of the strike group, said the show of force was important to US policy in the region. "An aircraft carrier port visit demonstrates our commitment to the alliance between the US and the Republic of Korea." He continued, "Our alliance remains the linchpin of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula, and we are dedicated to working with our ROK Navy counterparts to ensure stability in the region."