The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is currently stationed in the Pacific Ocean, specifically in the Philippine Sea, following its recent deployment from the United States and a scheduled port visit to Guam. This information was released by official sources from the U.S. Navy and confirmed through naval tracking reports.
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is operating within the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility, ensuring a sustained U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The strike group includes the aircraft carrier and its air wing, along with escort destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121), USS Spruance (DDG-111), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112).
An official statement, accompanied by photographs, highlights that the USS Abraham Lincoln, serving as the flagship of its strike group, is engaged in routine operations intended to reinforce the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. The carrier departed Guam on December 12 after a planned visit and has been active in the Philippine Sea since then. This visit to Guam was significant, as the island acts as a crucial logistics and command hub for U.S. naval operations, supporting aircraft carriers, surface vessels, and submarines in the region.
Rear Admiral Todd Whalen, the commander of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, noted during the port visit, “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 for maritime operations in the theater.”
Beyond the operations of the USS Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. maintains a robust presence in the region. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is conducting training exercises in the East China Sea, supported by elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit alongside advanced aircraft like the F-35B Lightning II and MV-22B Osprey. Moreover, fast attack submarines such as the USS Seawolf (SSN-21), USS Greeneville (SSN-772), and USS Annapolis (SSN-760) have been active in the regions between Japan, South Korea, and Guam, focusing on crew resupply and operational activities.
Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, expressed enthusiasm about the deployment, stating, “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 active in the Western Pacific, the U.S. Navy is ensuring a formidable maritime presence comprising multiple surface ships, aircraft, and submarines, as part of its sustained operations and planned missions in this strategically important area of the world.