USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group arrives in Middle East
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has recently arrived in the Middle East region, entering U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility in the Indian Ocean.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the group’s entry on January 26, 2026, stating it was deployed to promote regional security and stability. The strike group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as flagship, along with three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers: USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121), USS Spruance (DDG-111), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112). Carrier Air Wing 9 on board features F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, and MH-60R/S helicopters.
The deployment follows redirection from Indo-Pacific missions amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, including Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests and warnings from Tehran and Hezbollah against potential attacks. It bolsters U.S. options under President Trump, who has not ruled out airstrikes, though no imminent operations are confirmed. The group’s position enhances firepower with thousands of personnel, missiles (potentially including Tomahawks), and Air Force support like F-15E Strike Eagles.
