Summary USS Abraham Lincoln deployed to the Middle East with F-35C & F/A-18 Block III to boost US air power. Pentagon's recent military posture adjustments aim to enhance US force protection and support Israel defense. Iran's threats of retaliation against Israel post-Hamas leader's assassination raise concerns in the region.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in Middle Eastern waters amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. The aircraft carrier is equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighters to bolster US air power in the region. The Navy's variant of the next-generation fighter has quite a lot to offer.
USS Abraham Lincoln redeploys to Middle East A statement from the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) confirmed the arrival of the carrier, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 9 and a destroyer squadron, on Wednesday. The carrier will operate together with and eventually relieve the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), which has been stationed in the region since June. Pentagon spokesperson Mag.
Gen. Pat Ryder commented, "The department’s recent adjustment to the U.S.
military posture in the region have enabled us to bolster U.S. force protection, increase support for the defense of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.
" The carrier group was ordered to the region by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin around 10 days ago - with Lincoln, US forces will have access to F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters and F/A-18 Block III jets, an upgrade on the Block II F/A-18s currently on the Roosevelt . About the F-35C The F-35C is the carrier-compatible variant of the F-35 Lightning II that first entered service in 2019. The multirole fighter has diverse capabilities, including air superiority, close air support and electronic warfare.
Perhaps four carriers have been modified to operate F-35C leaving seven more to be modified or to be retired without modifications. The F-35C has a few unique features to accommodate its carrier operations, including larger wings and control surfaces, reinforced landing gear, additional range and folding wingtips. The stealth fighter will significantly boost US air capabilities in the event of a regional conflict.
Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying. Retaliation fears remain After the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil last month, Iran vowed to exact revenge on Israel, and fears remain that the country is still lining up a significant attack. Israel has taken responsibility for the bombing of Fuad Shukr in Beirut a day earlier, but has yet to admit to the Tehran killing of Haniyeh.
In April, Iran launched around 300 drones and missiles at Israel, the majority of which were shot down by air defenses, which included US destroyers and aircraft. However, Iran could attempt something on a larger scale this time around. The Pentagon also noted that a nuclear submarine, the USS Georgia, was also in the region as of early this week - the sub is equipped with over 150 long-range Tomahawk missiles to strike land targets from afar.
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