The USS George Washington aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea on Wednesday to participate in a naval drill with the South amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

[David Lausman, U.S. Navy Captain]:
"And together with all of the other countries of the Pacific, we enhance the entire security and stability of the entire Pacific Rim."

About 8,000 Alliance Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine personnel will participate in the exercise called "Invincible Spirit."

In addition to 20 ships and submarines, about 200 fighter aircraft will take part in the event.

North and South Korea are still technically at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce without a peace treaty.

The first leg of the U.S.-South Korean joint exercises will be held in the seas east of the Korean peninsula from July 25-28.