Busan: The USS George Washington nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea on Wednesday, marking the first visit by a US aircraft carrier since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June.

According to Anadolu Agency, the nuclear-powered vessel of Carrier Strike Group 5 entered the naval base in Busan, about 320 kilometers (198.8 miles) southeast of Seoul. The arrival was reported by Yonhap news, citing a statement from the South Korean Navy.

The USS George Washington was accompanied by the USS Robert Smalls guided-missile cruiser, as well as the USS Milius and USS Shoup Aegis-equipped destroyers. The navy highlighted that the visit aims to replenish supplies and provide rest for crew members while reaffirming the strong South Korea-US combined defense posture.

The South Korean Navy's statement emphasized plans to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the South Korean and US navies. The visit of Carrier Strike Group 5 is seen as an opportunity to bolster the combined defense posture.

This visit is the first by a US aircraft carrier in approximately eight months, following the USS Carl Vinson's arrival in Busan in March. At that time, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, had protested against the March arrival, stating that if the US continues its military demonstrations, North Korea would be compelled to enhance its strategic deterrence capabilities.