The guided-missile destroyer John S. McCain’s transit “demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” 7th Fleet said in a statement.
“The Russian Federation's statement about this mission is false. USS John S. McCain was not ‘expelled’ from any nation's territory," the 7th Fleet said.
Air Force Gen. John Hyten, who was confirmed last September as the nation's second highest-ranking military officer, flatly denied the claims during his confirmation hearing.