Foreign and Military Affairs

US aircraft carrier arrives in HK on 4-day visit

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-22 15:29

US Navy's USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is seen anchored off the Manila bay, west of Manila May 15, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

HONG KONG - The American aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, sailed into Hong Kong sea waters Sunday morning on a four-day visit after winning the approval from the Chinese central government.

The nuclear-powered supercarrier, from where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden's body was buried at sea, was escorted by three ships. Altogether they formed Carrier Strike Group 1, carrying a total of about 7,000 crew members.

US Navy personnel work around an F/A-18C Hornet fighter jet from Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (R) on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in Hong Kong May 22, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

During the stay, sailors on the ships are expected to enjoy the sights of Hong Kong. "A four-day port visit gives every sailor an opportunity to go out and experience the warmth, the fabulous food and friendship from Hong Kong," said Rear Admiral Samuel Perez, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 1, while addressing media on USS Carl Vinson.

Perez also saw the trip to Hong Kong a sign of sound relationship between the United States and China. "The fact that we are coming into this port signals the warm relationship we have between our militaries and our nations."

The visit by USS Carl Vinson, which was commissioned in March 1982, caused concerns among Hong Kong citizens given its involvement in the US operation leading to the killing of bin Laden. But Secretary for Security of Hong Kong Special Administration Region government Ambrose Lee said earlier that the threat of terrorist attack on Hong Kong is currently "moderate."

"The Hong Kong government has provided us very strong assurance that they would keep our ships and sailors safe," said Perez. "We feel very safe in Hong Kong."