US pivot to Asia gaining strength – admiral

ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has significantly increased its war-ships and aircraft deployed in Asia despite Washington’s budget woes, adding punch to its “pivot” to the region, a senior naval commander said.

Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, commander of an aircraft carrier strike group homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, said the ex-panded military presence would have a calming effect on simmering tensions and territorial disputes in the region.