US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Tae-young announced on 20 July 2010 a series of joint military exercises designed to send a strong, clear message to North Korea to stop its provocative and warlike acts. The first in a series of joint operations is a combined maritime and air readiness exercise called Invincible Spirit. About 8,000 US and South Korean servicemembers will participate. More than 100 US Air Force and Navy and Republic of Korea Air Force and Navy aircraft will take part. US and Korean P-3 crews will participate in antisubmarine warfare exercises. Deployed F-22s will also be involved in the exercises, marking the Raptor's first appearance in the Korean theater.
