USS Abraham Lincoln conducts flight ops in South China Sea

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Stephen Dalton directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the South China Sea, Jan. 4, 2026. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samuel Evarts)