Recently, the US has deployed several nuclear aircraft carriers in Northeast Asian waters, according to the International Herald. The carriers missions include monitoring vital interest areas of the region, such as the Korean Peninsula, the Taiwan Straight, the South China Sea and as military protection of Japan. The three strategic missions for the US are to “Monitor North Korea, Deter China, and Protect Japan.” They are meant as deterrents in case of possible conflict in the area.
The International Herald also advised that these deployments are based on the US’ Fleet Response Plan, which calls for six of the Navy’s 12 aircraft carriers to be available for deployment within 30 days and another two within 90 days.
Source: International Herald, August 24, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/herald/2009-08/24/content_11934396.htm