Two Japanese MSDF destroyers joining U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson strike group
 

After 2 excercises in the South China sea last month two Japanese MSDF destroyers will be joining the U.S. Carl Vinson strike group headed to North Korea for more "excercises"

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Two MSDF destroyers leave for potential drill with USS Carl Vinson | The Japan Times

Two Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers have left Sasebo naval base and are likely to take part in a drill with the U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, which is steaming toward the Korean Peninsula, Defense Ministry sources said Friday.

The date and location for the exercise have not been set yet, but the destroyers are likely to join the Carl Vinson strike group at some point.

The exercise is likely aimed at discouraging more missile and nuclear tests by North Korea next week.

MSDF destroyers conducted exercises with the USS Carl Vinson two times last month in the East China Sea, but the Japanese and U.S. governments have been considering another exercise amid concerns that North Korea may take further provocative steps around the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People?s Army next Tuesday.

The U.S. Navy?s 3rd Fleet announced on April 8 that the Pacific commander had ordered the Carl Vinson strike group, which includes two guided-missile destroyers and a cruiser, to sail north after departing Singapore.

A naval official said at the time that the strike group would conduct activities near the Korean Peninsula and that it would take over a week to reach there.