Yes, many months. This is an unprecedented configuration, especially in this region. Not an exercise. But they have been practicing their coordination. What is very unusual is having US aircraft and pilots on Japanese "carriers".
I just want to be certain that you're sure this hasn't happened before, and is in fact highly unusual because I'm unfamiliar with the exercises in the pacific so I'm relying on your judgement here.
This isn't me questioning your integrity or veracity, its only about getting a double nod on the solidness of your expertise and/or leads. Purely a formality. I'm grateful for the input so far.
My friend that passed away was former Marine Intel and was somewhat fluent in Chinese. He would say former and Marine don't go together. He was also a tremendous military historian. Lord I miss our near daily talks.
I have been involved in several naval exercises in one form or another, albeit as the red team usually. They don't look like this. Too long, no land component involved, no beach landings/support for the landings, etc. Just flight ops and burning a lot of heavy fuel oil. Four US carriers in one area usually reflects an elevated DEFCON (possibly 2). Then you add the carriers of three other countries.
An example of a very recent exercise: RIMPAC “Twenty-six nations, 38 surface ships, four submarines, nine national land forces, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 29 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California,” according to the Navy."
Only one carrier participating, Abraham Lincoln. Will likely be returning to the China vicinity fairly soon.
Four US carriers in one area usually reflects an elevated DEFCON (possibly 2).
What is defcon 2 in real terms? Closer to saber rattling, or closer to actual war preparation?
layman's definition
DEFCON 3 Get extra ready to go kick someones ass DEFCON 2 Shit is about to hit the fan DEFCON 1 Shit is hit the fan. Here we go boys and girls.
The Pacific is supposedly at 3. But a smaller region can have a lower number that isn't reported. Just have to know what it would look like (our forces) if it was a regional 2, and watch for it. 4 carriers is one of those items.
Feel free to ping me any time.
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