By: Mark Thompson
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, along with its escorting destroyers, has arrived in the Middle East, according to a statement from the US military. The carrier’s deployment was expedited following an order from the Secretary of Defense to accelerate the strike group’s journey.
With the arrival of the Lincoln, the number of US aircraft carriers in the region temporarily increases to two. The Lincoln is set to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the area, a move occurring amidst growing concerns over potential regional conflicts, particularly in light of recent high-profile assassinations attributed to Israel.
“USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), carrying F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighters, has entered the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility,” the military command overseeing operations in the Middle East announced on social media. The statement also noted that the Lincoln, serving as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, is joined by Destroyer Squadron 21 (DESRON 21) and Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW 9).
The Pentagon previously announced on August 11 that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had directed the Lincoln to hasten its transit to the Middle East after ordering its deployment earlier in the month.
Tensions in the region have escalated following promises from Hezbollah and Iran to retaliate for two high-profile assassinations last month that were attributed to Israel. One Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs resulted in the death of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, while another attack in Tehran, also blamed on Israel, killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement in either of the assassinations.