Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrives in Guam

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

(Joint Region Marianas) --Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, surface ships from Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the embarked staff of Carrier Air Wing 9 and Destroyer Squadron 21, arrived on Guam for a scheduled port visit on Dec. 11.

The Strike Group, composed of the air wing of the future and a modernized Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer as the integrated air and missile

defense commander, is capable of conducting simultaneous operations

in multiple domains and warfare areas, operating the most advanced technology with skilled and highly trained personnel.

"Our Strike Group presence in 7th Fleet waters demonstrates our commitment

to a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Rear Adm. Todd Whalen, the Strike Group's commander. "Port calls to strategic locations like Guam enhance our mission readiness and help us stay ready to execute maritime operations in theater."

Guam, part of the U.S. homeland, is a critical nexus for command and control,

logistics and power projection in the Indo-Pacific.

Abraham Lincoln is the second aircraft carrier to visit the island this month,

following USS George Washington on Dec. 1.

Guam's strategic value comes in its capability to support enhanced logistics for numerous forward-deployed U.S. military units, including aircraft carriers and their strike group combatants.

Alongside Abraham Lincoln, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers

USS Spruance, USS Michael Murphy, and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. from the Strike Group will join the carrier for scheduled stops in Guam.

"My crew is excited to be back in this area of the world, and we look

forward to demonstrating what an aircraft carrier and carrier strike group

bring to the fight," said Capt. Dan Keeler, Abraham Lincoln's commanding

officer. "Our Sailors are eager to learn from new cultures and strengthen

partnerships across the region throughout our deployment."

Abraham Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and was

commissioned Nov. 11, 1989.

The ship completed a scheduled U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet deployment in 2024, returning to San Diego in late December 2024.

In August 2025, Abraham Lincoln participated in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint exercise Northern Edge 2025

in and around the Gulf of Alaska.

The Strike Group is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of

operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving

a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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