Seoul: The South Korean and U.S. navies have conducted joint naval drills in the East Sea this week, featuring a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, as part of efforts to enhance their combined defense posture, according to Seoul's Navy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the four-day exercise took place from Tuesday through Friday, involving more than a dozen warships and maritime patrol aircraft from both nations. The South Korean naval forces deployed the ROKS Yulgok Yi I and the ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong Aegis-equipped destroyers for the drills.

On the U.S. side, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier participated, along with the USS Robert Smalls guided-missile cruiser and the USS Milius and USS Shoup Aegis-equipped destroyers. The Navy stated that the training aimed to bolster deterrence against North Korea and improve the interoperability of the South Korean and U.S. navies based on their steadfast alliance.

The exercise involved realistic maritime drills focused on anti-submarine and air defense warfare, as well as maritime logistics, as reported by the Navy.