The Defense Ministry says a U.S. supercarrier was sent to waters near the Korean Peninsula in preparation for possible strategic provocations by North Korea. 
 
In a regular briefing on Monday, ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun confirmed the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson strike group to the western Pacific Ocean.
 
Amid speculations that the U.S. could militarily engage in the Korean Peninsula situation, the spokesman said that the U.S. warships came in preparation for a possible nuclear test or missile launch in the North. 
 
Moon said the military is keeping in mind that North Korean provocations are likely around the birthday of the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung and the anniversary of the foundation of the North Korean People’s Army this month. 
 
After taking part in the joint exercises with the South Korean military, the USS Carl Vinson was set to sail to Australia after departing Singapore, but turned around to head back to the western Pacific. 

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