The visit comes after months of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula after the sinking of a RoK warship in a torpedo attack in March, in which 46 RoK sailors were killed.

Earlier this month, the United Nations formally denounced the sinking of the Cheonan, but did not specifically mention the DPRK.

In anticipation of the U.S. announcement, Pyongyang at the weekend said the presence of the carrier would be a "reckless provocation," according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. It said the U.S. and RoK were trying to save face after suffering a "diplomatic defeat" in the United Nations.

Two U.S. destroyers will also join the George Washington for its call in the port of Busan. A third destroyer will visit Chinhae, U.S. Forces Korea said. The four-day port call begins on July 21.

"The U.S. Navy maintains a robust forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region and the people of the Republic of Korea are our good friends and allies," George Washington commanding officer Capt. David Lausman said in a statement on July 19.

The 97,000-ton George Washington, based in Yokosuka, Japan, is the only U.S. carrier whose home port is outside the United States.