Following statements by Iran and Hezbollah vowing to avenge the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr, the American aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” arrived in the Mediterranean Sea last night (Wednesday-Thursday) as a formidable deterrent against the Axis of Evil.
The aircraft carrier essentially serves as a massive floating airbase, housing over 5,000 crew members, four fighter squadrons, along with three squadrons dedicated to transport, intelligence, and electronic warfare. To put it into perspective, the combat power of this colossal carrier exceeds that of the entire Jordanian Air Force. Additionally, the floating base is equipped with anti-aircraft systems, anti-aircraft missiles, and sea-to-sea missiles.
The “Abraham Lincoln,” powered by two nuclear reactors, includes three squadrons of F-18 “Hornet” fighter jets, the primary combat aircraft of the U.S. Navy. Additionally, the carrier hosts a squadron of F-18 Growlers, which are modified for electronic warfare purposes.
However, the most impressive squadron aboard the “Abraham Lincoln” is the “Black Knights” squadron, which consists of F-35 stealth fighter jets designed for takeoff and landing on the carrier’s deck. This squadron is the first of its kind to be deployed on an aircraft carrier and has been serving on the “Abraham Lincoln” since 2020. The squadron itself is considered the pride of the U.S. Navy’s air division, dating back to World War II.
In addition, earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that he had ordered the deployment of the ballistic missile submarine USS GEORGIA to the Middle East. This is part of the defensive and offensive measures the U.S. is positioning around Israel to send a strong message to Iran and its proxies.
