The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp was on its way to the annual Balikatan exercises in the Philippines, according to reports. The ship was carrying at least 10 F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, the National Interest reported. They noted the ship usually carried sixth of the aircrafts.

The US Navy said in a statement: “US and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.

“The ship and its fighters represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

The annual exercises allow the troops to prepare for a crisis in the Indo-Pacific region.

The exercises mainly focus on maritime security which is a growing issue as China tries to take control of the waterways, the Business Insider reported.

The USS Wasp also reportedly had four MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters on board.

Tensions in the South China Sea have risen in the past year as the US tries to push back China’s hold on the region.

The waters are the world’s busiest trade route is also claimed by the likes of Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei.

So far, the US has conducted 15 freedom of navigation operations in the area since 2015.

The US also want allies to consider similar manoeuvres.

Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, told an audience at the National Review Institute’s 2019 Ideas Summit that “there is an important relationship between the US and China”.

But he added: “Their moving into the South China Sea is not because they want freedom of navigation.

“Their efforts to build ports around the world aren’t because they want to be good shipbuilders and stewards of waterways, but rather they have a state national security element to each and every one of them.”

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