US warships return from duty in war against terror

Three US warships that left Japan to support the war against terrorism are returning to their home port near Tokyo.

They have already returned to the western Pacific and will enter their home port before Christmas, the US Navy says.

The warships include the aircraft carrier USS Kittyhawk.

The other ships are the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur and the frigate USS Gary.

The three vessels are expected to return to Yokosuka Naval Base, the home of the US Seventh Fleet, "prior to Christmas," the Navy said in a statement.

The Kittyhawk is the only American carrier stationed in the western Pacific.

The destroyer USS Cushing and the oiler USS Rappahannock were also sent from Yokosuka to support the campaign against terrorism.