USS Abraham Lincoln conducts live-fire exercise in South China Sea

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fires a close-in weapon system (CIWS) during live-fire exercises on the ship’s flight deck in the South China Sea, Jan. 8, 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 3rd Class Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson)