WATCH: US combat plane takes off for South China Sea patrol

One of the dozens of US combat aircraft F18 Hornets takes off for maritime air training patrol in the South China Sea from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs Office/Released

MANILA, Philippines — One of the United States' combat aircraft F18 Hornets took off from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to conduct maritime air training patrol in the disputed South China Sea.

Carl Vinson carries around 72 aircraft such as FA18 Super Hornets, EA 18G Growlers, Nighthawk helicopters and surveillance aircraft as it conducts its patrols in the South China Sea.

The Carl Vinson strike group carrier departed Manila last February 20 after completing a four-day port call.

— Patricia Lourdes Viray

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