The San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was ordered to the Middle East on Friday amid worries that Iran is preparing to attack Israel, the Defense Department confirmed.
The Lincoln, which is currently operating off Hawaii, was ordered to relieve another San Diego-based carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which has been deployed since January and is operating in the Gulf of Oman, according to multiple reports.
The nuclear-powered Lincoln carries as many as 90 aircraft and helicopters, including Miramar-based Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, which flies the latest F-35C stealth jets.
It’s possible that both carriers will be operating together in the region for a period of time.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also ordered additional missile-defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the region, along with an additional fighter squadron, reportedly F-22 Raptor long-range stealth jets.
“Austin has ordered adjustments to U.S. military posture designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
The United States is bracing for Iran to make good on a threat to respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh two days ago in Tehran — one in a series of assassinations of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.
Reuters contribute to this article.
