Nimitz-Class USS Lincoln CVN 72 Aircraft Carrier Spotlight
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that has been in service with the United States Navy since 1989. Named after the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, the carrier has played a significant role in various military operations and humanitarian missions around the world. In this spotlight, we will delve into the history, capabilities, and notable deployments of the USS Abraham Lincoln.
History of the USS Abraham Lincoln
The USS Abraham Lincoln was laid down on November 3, 1984, at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Virginia. The carrier was launched on February 13, 1988, and commissioned on November 11, 1989. Since its commissioning, the USS Abraham Lincoln has undergone several refueling and complex overhauls (RCOHs) to ensure its continued service life.
Capabilities of the USS Abraham Lincoln
As a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln is equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, including:
- Flight Deck: The carrier has a 4.5-acre flight deck that can accommodate up to 60 aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets, F-35C Lightning IIs, and E-2C Hawkeyes.
- Propulsion: The USS Abraham Lincoln is powered by two nuclear reactors, which provide a virtually unlimited source of power for the carrier’s systems and propulsion.
- Radar and Sensors: The carrier is equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems, including the AN/SPS-48E air search radar and the AN/SPS-67(V)3 surface search radar.
- Defense Systems: The USS Abraham Lincoln is equipped with a range of defense systems, including the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) system.
Notable Deployments of the USS Abraham Lincoln
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been involved in several notable deployments and operations throughout its service life, including:
- Operation Desert Storm: The carrier played a key role in the Gulf War, serving as the flagship for Carrier Air Wing 11.
- Operation Southern Watch: The USS Abraham Lincoln participated in the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Iraq from 1993 to 1996.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: The carrier supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003, deploying aircraft in support of ground operations.
- Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response: The USS Abraham Lincoln has participated in several humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, including the response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Aircraft Carried by the USS Abraham Lincoln
The USS Abraham Lincoln is capable of carrying a range of aircraft, including:
- F/A-18 Hornet: A multi-role fighter aircraft used for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
- F-35C Lightning II: A fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft used for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
- E-2C Hawkeye: A carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft used for airborne command and control.
- SH-60 Seahawk: A multi-role helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and cargo transport.
| Aircraft | Role |
|---|---|
| F/A-18 Hornet | Muilti-role fighter |
| F-35C Lightning II | Fifth-generation multi-role fighter |
| E-2C Hawkeye | Carrier-based airborne early warning |
| SH-60 Seahawk | Multi-role helicopter |
📝 Note: The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to undergo a mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) in the mid-2020s, which will extend its service life until the 2040s.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has played a significant role in the United States Navy’s operations and humanitarian missions around the world. With its advanced capabilities and versatile air wing, the carrier will continue to serve as a vital component of the Navy’s fleet for years to come.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s service life has been marked by several notable deployments and operations, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response operations. The carrier’s aircraft have played a crucial role in these operations, providing air support and reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces and responding to natural disasters.
As the USS Abraham Lincoln continues to serve, it will be interesting to see how its capabilities and role evolve in response to changing global security challenges. One thing is certain, however: the USS Abraham Lincoln will remain a vital component of the United States Navy’s fleet for years to come.
What is the USS Abraham Lincoln’s primary role?
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The USS Abraham Lincoln is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, and its primary role is to serve as a floating airbase, providing air support and reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces.
What types of aircraft can the USS Abraham Lincoln carry?
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The USS Abraham Lincoln can carry a range of aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets, F-35C Lightning IIs, E-2C Hawkeyes, and SH-60 Seahawks.
What is the USS Abraham Lincoln’s current status?
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The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently in service with the United States Navy, and is scheduled to undergo a mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) in the mid-2020s.
Related Terms:
- Northrop Grumman Newport News
- Naval Station Norfolk
- USS Intrepid
- USS Hornet CV 12
- Angkatan Laut Amerika Serikat
- USS Abraham Lincoln Aceh
