The San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln has joined another locally based aircraft carrier in the Middle East, the Pentagon announced.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III ordered the Lincoln to accelerate its deployment to the Middle East earlier this month to defend Israel and “ensure the United States is prepared to respond to a wide range of contingencies.”
The nuclear-powered carrier arrived in the Central Command area of responsibility late last week, joining the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the region.
The two warships carry a total of over 150 aircraft, including F/A-18 and F-35 jets, plus helicopters and early-warning aircraft.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said deployment of the two carriers and other forces may have gotten into the “head space” of Iranian officials who have threatened strikes on Israel. Singh said the forces are well positioned to counter any attack from Iran or Iranian-backed proxies.
One of those proxies, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets into Israel on Sunday, but virtually all were shot down.
“We remain focused on efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, and while also remaining focused on securing a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal, to bring all of the hostages home and to end the war in Gaza,” Singh said.
