CENTCOM Showcases USS Abraham Lincoln's 24/7 Readiness | WATCH
CENTCOM has released high-tempo footage of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) operating at peak combat readiness in the Arabian Sea, featuring elite F-35C stealth fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets.
In a fresh display of American naval might amid escalating regional tensions, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Monday released striking images of advanced fighter jets being prepped for launch aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in the Arabian Sea.
The official post from CENTCOM highlights EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) and F-35C Lightning IIs from Marine Fighter Squadron 314 (VMFA-314). "Operating in international waters in the Middle East, the aircraft carrier conducts around the clock flight operations in support of regional security," the caption reads.
These aren't just routine shots, they underscore the Nimitz-class carrier's full-spectrum combat readiness. The Growlers, electronic warfare powerhouses, are designed to jam enemy radars and communications, providing a critical edge in contested airspace. The F-35Cs, stealthy fifth-generation multirole fighters, bring unmatched sensor fusion and strike capabilities, ideal for intelligence, surveillance, and precision attacks against threats like Iran-backed proxies.
This latest update comes as the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) maintains a grueling operational tempo in the U.S. 5th Fleet's area of responsibility. Deployed since late 2025 and redirected to the region in January amid Iran-related flare-ups, the group, including destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Spruance, and USS Michael Murphy, has been conducting non-stop flight ops, replenishments, and integrated exercises.
CENTCOM's social media blitz, which has ramped up in recent weeks, serves as a potent signal of "peace through strength." Earlier posts detailed hangar maintenance, ordnance handling, and mass casualty drills, painting a picture of a ship and air wing operating at peak efficiency 24/7.
Positioned roughly 300-700 km off Iran's coast (per recent satellite imagery), the Lincoln is well within range to support maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf, hotspots plagued by Houthi attacks and Iranian saber-rattling. The deployment aligns with U.S. efforts to deter escalation, especially as diplomatic channels (like talks in Oman) hum in the background.
High-profile visits, including CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper's tour last week with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, further emphasize the administration's focus on bolstering alliances in the face of potential multi-front threats.
The Abraham Lincoln's presence isn't isolated. Paired with ongoing U.S. operations against Houthis and monitoring of Iranian activities, it's part of a broader show of force. Analysts note the CSG's advanced assets, like the F-35Cs, could play a pivotal role in any kinetic response to aggression.
As tensions simmer, CENTCOM's visuals are a reminder: America's forward-deployed assets are not just present, they're primed and ready.