The US has withdrawn half of its Japan-based destroyers from the western Pacific to support the war on Iran, undermining relations with Western Pacific allies and contradicting the national security strategy. Five of the 10 destroyers homeported in Yokosuka, along with the Yokosuka-based aircraft carrier George Washington, are deployed to US Central Command’s area of responsibility.
Regional Security Implications
The withdrawal of US naval forces from the western Pacific has significant implications for regional security and US power projection. According to Ralph Cossa, chairman of the Pacific Forum, this move sends the wrong signal to China and undermines the US commitment to the region. The US Navy’s aircraft carrier George Washington is also deployed to the Middle East, leaving a gap in the Western Pacific. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is deploying to the Middle East, further exacerbating the “carrier gap” in the region.
Contradiction With National Security Strategy
The withdrawal of US naval forces from the western Pacific contradicts the national security strategy, which prioritizes the Indo-Pacific region and deterring China. The National Security Strategy, released less than a year ago, emphasizes the importance of a vigilant posture in the Indo-Pacific. However, the war on Iran has led to a significant diversion of US naval forces from the region, undermining the US commitment to regional security.
China’s Growing Military Presence
China is developing a modern fighting force with the goal of defeating the US Navy in the Western Pacific. China now has three aircraft carriers and plans to have at least nine by 2035. The Chinese navy’s rapid expansion in naval capabilities is remarkable, but its overall naval tonnage remains behind the US. China’s military modernization is the top focus of US defense planning and budgeting, with experts warning that the US must recognize China’s capability and intent to deal a heavy blow to US forces.
US Commitment To Indo-Pacific Security
Despite the withdrawal of US naval forces, the US Pacific Command remains committed to the security of the Indo-Pacific region. The command’s deputy commander, Lt. Gen. George Rowell, emphasized the importance of deterring aggression and maintaining readiness in the region. However, the “carrier gap” in the Western Pacific has raised concerns about the US ability to respond to regional contingencies. The US has 11 aircraft carriers, but China is rapidly closing the gap, with three carriers already in operation and more under construction. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to reach the US Central Command area later this month, but its deployment will not alleviate the “carrier gap” in the Western Pacific. Navy officials have told crews they won’t return home until 2027.
Sources
- The war on Iran is stripping the western Pacific of US naval forces
- China just exposed America's "carrier gap" in the Pacific again
Photo: Andrea Hanks (Public domain (US government work))
