(MENAFN) The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington docked in South Korea on Wednesday, marking the first visit by a US aircraft carrier since President Lee Jae Myung assumed office in June.

The vessel, part of Carrier Strike Group 5, entered the naval facility in Busan, located roughly 320 kilometers (198.8 miles) southeast of Seoul, a news agency reported, citing a statement from the South Korean Navy.

The carrier was escorted by the USS Robert Smalls guided-missile cruiser, along with the USS Milius and USS Shoup Aegis-equipped destroyers.

According to the navy, the port call is intended to replenish provisions and offer rest for crew members, while also reaffirming the robust South Korea-US combined defense posture.

"The Navy plans to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the South Korean and U.S. navies as well as strengthen the combined defense posture on the occasion of the port entry of the Carrier Strike Group 5," the statement said.

This visit comes approximately eight months after the USS Carl Vinson last arrived in Busan in March.

At that time, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, condemned the arrival and warned that if the US continues to "renew its records in the anti-North Korean military demonstration, North Korea will be naturally compelled to renew its records in the exercise of strategic deterrence."

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