USS Abraham Lincoln conducts flight ops in South China Sea

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Sofia Claire Jose directs an F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the South China Sea, Dec. 26, 2025. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Malina Davy)