USS Abraham Lincoln leaves CENTCOM after more than 270 days of operations

After accumulating more than 270 days of operations, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) has left the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility and is reportedly now joining the United States Seventh Fleet. According to an update published by Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group was already operating in the Indian Ocean, within the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) area of responsibility, as of Saturday.

USS Abraham Lincoln deployment from San Diego to the Indian Ocean

The USS Abraham Lincoln began its deployment on 21 November 2025, departing Naval Base San Diego, California, for the western Pacific to enter the Seventh Fleet's area of responsibility. During January, the Department of War began transferring the USS Abraham Lincoln and its Carrier Strike Group to CENTCOM amid rising tensions with Iran. During its redeployment to the Middle East, the nuclear-powered carrier took part in operations to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, intended to restrict maritime traffic linked to Iran and strengthen the US military presence in the region.

USS Abraham Lincoln deployment extension and relief by USS George Washington

Its deployment had originally been due to end in May. However, the United States Navy extended the deployment without officially announcing a date for its return to home port. The prolonged deployment, onboard living conditions, fatigue and the availability of resources prompted concern among relatives of the carrier's sailors and Marines. US Navy authorities held meetings with family members.

To relieve the Abraham Lincoln in CENTCOM's area of responsibility, USS George Washington (CVN-73) and its Carrier Strike Group departed the western Pacific for the Middle East. The group comprises its Carrier Air Wing, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86). It arrived in CENTCOM's operational area on 19 August.

More than 10,000 air sorties during Middle East operations

The USS Abraham Lincoln is concluding an extended Middle East deployment that included 200 days spent in a combat zone, more than 10,000 air sorties, and the use of 680 tonnes of guided munitions during US operations in the region and strikes against Iran. The Carrier Strike Group has been deployed for 274 days. As reported by USNI News, its return voyage to its home port in San Diego, including whether it will make stops en route, has not been confirmed. Based on the outlet's estimates, the Abraham Lincoln could take one month or longer to return to the United States.