Many American naval history books refer to the light cruiser Birmingham as the most tragic American ship to participate in World War II, because of the number of engagements it was involved in and the damage she sustained.
The top American military commander in the Indo-Pacific region says the U.S. will maintain the recent pace of freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea aimed at challenging China’s territorial claims.
Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson told reporters in Tokyo that U.S. Navy ships will continue to operate freely in international waters, including the possibility of an aircraft carrier navigating through the Taiwan Strait.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters on Monday that China dispatched planes and ships to demand that the guided-missile destroyer McCampbell leave waters around the Paracel Islands.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said his government will not allow any foreign military bases in its territory and called media reports that China is seeking a naval base there "fake news."
The platform appears to be topped with a radome and solar panels, and its strategic location makes it likely it is intended to extend China’s radar or signals intelligence collection in the area.