E-Paper
Sign In
USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea: What fighter jets, destroyers are on board?
An F/A-18E Super Hornet launched from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while conducting routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea, the US CENTCOM said
- PUBLISHED: Fri 30 Jan 2026, 9:45 PM UPDATED: Fri 30 Jan 2026, 11:16 PM
- By:
- Yasmin Hussein
- Share:
On January 28, US President Donald Trump issued another stern warning to Iran, telling Tehran that time is running out for it to reach a deal on its controversial nuclear programme, while adding that what he called an armada is quickly moving its way.
Days earlier, the US Central Command said that the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group arrived in the Middle East, dramatically boosting American firepower in the region and further adding to security concerns.
Recommended For You
On Friday, the US CENTCOM provided an update on the location of the aircraft by saying: "An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 151, launches from the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while conducting routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to support security and stability within the Middle East region."
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
While sources confirm that Trump has not decided yet on taking the military path against Iran and its clerical rulers, the current deployment of 10 American warships in the region's waters raised many questions regarding what weapons these naval assets carry.
Here is all you need to know about the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln:
Specifications
Commissioned: 1989 (37 years)
Aircraft capacity: 65+
Length: 333 metres
Weight: 88,000 tonnes
Speed: 30+ knots (56 kph)
Crew: about 5,700
Hull classification symbol: CVN-72 (CV for aircraft carrier, N for nuclear-powered, and 72 is the specific ship number in that series)
What weapons are on board
The aircraft attached to the Carrier Strike Group include:
F-35C Lightning II (fighter jet)
FA/18 Super Hornet (fighter jet)
EA-18G Growler (electronic warfare aircraft)
E-2D Hawkeye (early warning aircraft)
MH-60 Seahawk (anti-submarine and anti-ship helicopter)
The carrier is escorted by guided-missile destroyers such as:
USS Spruance
USS Michael Murphy
USS Frank E. Petersen Jr.
(With inputs from AFP)
Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.