South Korea and the United States kicked off on Monday a four-day naval exercise in the East Sea, joined by the nuclear-propelled USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, the Navy said.

 It is intended to bolster their joint combat readiness and interoperability, according to the South Korean Navy. 

The Aegis-equipped Sejong the Great-class destroyer and 19 other warships will participate in the drill from the South Korean Navy.

On the U.S. side will be the supercarrier, loaded with aircraft, and four other navy ships.

Through the latest joint maneuver, the allies will enhance their maritime readiness against potential naval, aerial, submarine and torpedo threats and conduct maritime counter special operation force drills, the Navy added.

The U.S. aircraft carrier came to South Korea to join the South Korean Navy's maritime parade last Friday. It will head back to its home port of Yokosuka, Japan, after wrapping up the joint exercise. (Yonhap)