The nuclear aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG3), arrived on December 11 at the island of Guam as part of a scheduled stop during its deployment in the Western Pacific. The strike group also includes Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, and various surface units of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG).
According to the U.S. Navy, the ABECSG features a modernized air wing and an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer serving as the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander (IAMDC). The group is capable of executing simultaneous operations across multiple domains and warfare areas, operating with advanced systems and highly trained personnel.
“Our deployment in 7th Fleet waters demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Admiral Todd Whalen, commander of the ABECSG. “Visits to strategic ports like Guam strengthen our operational readiness and allow us to remain prepared for maritime operations in the theater.”
Guam: A key hub for force projection in the Indo-Pacific
Guam, a U.S. territory, serves as a central node for command, control, and logistics for forces deployed in the region. Its infrastructure supports aircraft carriers, surface units, and other advanced U.S. components. The Abraham Lincoln’s visit is the second aircraft carrier port call this month, following the arrival of USS George Washington (CVN-73) on December 1.
In addition to USS Abraham Lincoln, the destroyers USS Spruance (DDG-111), USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121) are also scheduled to make stops in Guam as part of the joint deployment.
“My crew is excited to return to this part of the world, and we look forward to demonstrating what an aircraft carrier and its strike group can contribute,” said Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln. “Our sailors are eager to learn from new cultures and strengthen ties throughout the region during this deployment.”
An unusual deployment following its recent return to San Diego
USS Abraham Lincoln departed for the Western Pacific on November 21 from San Diego, marking a significant deployment given its recent extended deployment, which ended in December 2024 after 162 days of operations in the Middle East and Pacific. During 2025, the unit maintained high operational activity, including exercises and certifications such as Northern Edge 2025 in Alaska.
This new deployment occurs outside the standard Optimized Fleet Response Plan cycle, which typically spans 36 months between maintenance, training, and operations. Analysts view the decision as a response to increased operational demands in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s military expansion, coupled with the upcoming retirement of USS Nimitz (CVN-68).
Regional context: USS Nimitz begins final decommissioning
During its time in the region, Nimitz participated in naval presence operations, escort missions, and joint exercises, including anti-surface and aerial operations. Its itinerary also brought it near areas where an F/A-18 Super Hornet and an MH-60R Seahawk had been lost in recent incidents.
The return of Nimitz coincided with the deployment of USS George Washington, which temporarily maintained presence in the South China Sea. However, CVN-73 recently departed for Guam, temporarily leaving the region without an operational U.S. aircraft carrier, a notable situation given the area’s strategic importance.
Images by Jeremiah Bartelt (U.S. Navy officer).
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