US military to gather aircraft carrier, Marines, planes for large-scale exercise near Guam

US military plans large-scale exercises near Guam

HONOLULU — The U.S. military plans to hold a large-scale military exercise near Guam this month.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet said Wednesday an aircraft carrier, amphibious ships, Marines and an Air Force expeditionary wing are due to participate.

The 10-day Valiant Shield exercises are scheduled to start Sunday near Palau. Ships then will steam east and the drills will end near Guam.

The military had its first Valiant Shield exercise in 2006. This year’s drills are the third time they’ve been held.

Guam is a U.S. territory about 3,700 miles southwest of Hawaii and 1,500 miles south of Tokyo.