The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is currently operating in the Pacific Ocean, specifically in the Philippine Sea, after completing its deployment from the United States and a recent scheduled port call in Guam. This information was confirmed by official statements from the U.S. Navy and naval tracking reports.
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group operates within the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility, maintaining the U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. The strike group consists of the aircraft carrier itself, with its embarked air wing, and the destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121), USS Spruance (DDG-111), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112).
According to an official statement released along with photographic material, the USS Abraham Lincoln, as the flagship of its strike group, is conducting routine operations in the region. The statement notes that these activities are part of the U.S. Navy’s ongoing commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
As previously reported by Zona Militar, the aircraft carrier departed Guam on December 12, following a scheduled visit, and has since been conducting operations in the Philippine Sea. Previously, on December 11, it had arrived on the island as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. Guam plays a key role as a logistics, command, and control hub for U.S. naval forces in the region, facilitating support for aircraft carriers, surface vessels, and submarines.
During that port call, Rear Admiral Todd Whalen, commander of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, stated: “Our deployment to 7th Fleet waters demonstrates our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Visits to strategic ports like Guam strengthen our operational readiness and allow us to remain prepared to execute maritime operations in the theater.”
In parallel with the operations of the USS Abraham Lincoln, other U.S. naval units are deployed in the region. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is operating in the East China Sea, where it is conducting training exercises during the end-of-year period, according to information from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Aboard the Tripoli are elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), along with F-35B Lightning II, MV-22B Osprey, AH-1Z Viper, and UH-1Y Venom aircraft.
Likewise, fast attack submarines such as the USS Seawolf (SSN-21), USS Greeneville (SSN-772) and USS Annapolis (SSN-760) have recently made movements between ports in Japan, South Korea and Guam, as part of deployments and crew resupply and rest activities.
Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, emphasized during the initial phase of the deployment: “My crew is excited to return to this region of the world, and we look forward to demonstrating what an aircraft carrier and its strike group can deliver. Our sailors are eager to learn about new cultures and strengthen ties throughout the region during this deployment.”
With the USS Abraham Lincoln now operational again in the Western Pacific, the U.S. Navy maintains multiple active surface, aircraft, and submarine groups in the Indo-Pacific, as part of regular operations and planned deployments in the region.
*Images obtained from the U.S. Navy (cover photo credit: Zoe Simpson).
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