Russian bombers fly within one mile of US aircraft carrier
Jennifer Griffin reports from the Pentagon
Two Russian warplanes flew within one mile of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, forcing the U.S. Navy to launch four fighter jets in response Tuesday, a Navy spokesman told Fox News.
The USS Reagan was sailing in international waters east of the Korean peninsula, Stars and Stripes reports. It adds that the U.S. is currently engaged in joint military exercises with South Korea.
The Russian "Bear Bombers" approached the aircraft carrier at an elevation of 500 feet Tuesday morning, according to Navy spokesman Commander William Marks. He said U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornets escorted the Russian planes as they transited out of the area.
"We would characterize this as still at a safe distance. This kind of interaction is not unprecedented," Cmdr. Marks told Fox News.
The U.S. had tried to contact the Russian planes but received no radio response, Stars and Stripes adds.
U.S. officials have told Fox News Russian jets approached U.S. aircraft and predator drones several times over Syria during the past month.
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.