America Expeditionary Strike Group

Report to Congress on South China Sea Disputes

The following is the Aug. 21, 2023, Congressional Research Service report, China Primer: South China Sea Disputes.

From the report

Multiple Asian governments assert sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and other geographic features in the heavily trafficked South China Sea (SCS), with the People’s Republic of China (PRC or China) arguably making the most assertive claims. The United States makes no territorial claim in the SCS and takes no position on sovereignty over any of the geographic features in...

https://news.usni.org/2023/08/22/report-to-congress-on-south-china-sea-disputes

U.S. Destroyer Performs South China Sea FONOP; China Says it Expelled Warship

USS Benfold (DDG-65) sailing past the Paracel Islands on July 13, 2022. PLA Photo

A U.S. guided-missile destroyer passed near a South China Sea island chain claimed by China as part of a Freedom of Navigation operation and drew complaints from Beijing.

USS Benfold (DDG-65) sailed near the Paracel Islands early Wednesday local time in a FONOP and was monitored by the People’s Liberation Army Navy frigate Xianning (500), according to the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

“This freedom of navigation...

https://news.usni.org/2022/07/13/u-s-destroyer-performs-south-china-sea-fonop-china-says-it-expelled-warship

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Feb. 28, 2022

USNI News Graphic

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Feb. 28, 2022, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:295Ships Underway

Deployed Ships UnderwayNon-deployed Ships UnderwayTotal Ships Underway
682795

Ships Deployed by Fleet

Fleet Forces3r...

U.S. Navy Denies Chinese Claims of Expelling Destroyer From Waters Near Paracel Islands

Ens. Hazel Acosta, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), observes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), while standing conning officer during Visual Information (VI) drills between the two ships, Jan. 12, 2022. U.S. Navy Photo

The U.S. Navy on Thursday denied a Chinese claim that the People’s Liberation Army Navy chased an American destroyer away from islands in the South China Sea.
USS Benfold (DDG-65) performed a...

https://news.usni.org/2022/01/20/navy-denies-chinese-claims-of-expelling-u-s-destroyer-from-territorial-waters-near-paracel-islands

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Dec. 27, 2021

USNI News Graphic

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Dec. 27, 2021, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:296Ships Underway

Deployed Ships UnderwayNon-deployed Ships UnderwayTotal Ships Underway
39140

In Yokosuka, Japan

Aviation Boatswain’s...

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Dec. 20, 2021

USNI News Graphic

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Dec. 20, 2021, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:295Ships Underway

Deployed Ships UnderwayNon-deployed Ships UnderwayTotal Ships Underway
55358

In Yokosuka, Japan

Cryptologic Technician...

https://news.usni.org/2021/12/20/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-dec-20-2021

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Dec. 13, 2021

USNI News Graphic

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Dec. 13, 2021, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:295Ships Underway

Deployed Ships UnderwayNon-deployed Ships UnderwayTotal Ships Underway
512071

In Yokosuka, Japan

Cmdr. Cody Lutke from...

https://news.usni.org/2021/12/13/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-dec-13-2021