The USS Abraham Lincoln conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea, where the aircraft carrier has been operating since at least Dec. 26, according to the U.S. Navy.
The Abraham Lincoln deployed to the Indo-Pacific region on Nov. 24 from its homeport in San Diego. It arrived at Guam in mid-December before proceeding to the Philippine Sea and later the South China Sea.
Since then, the carrier has carried out flight operations, resupply missions at sea, training in damage control, and explosive ordnance disposal exercises. Its escort ships, including the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance, have participated in the exercises.
On Jan. 4, the carrier carried out a live-fire drill using its Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, which is designed to engage incoming threats such as missiles, aircraft, and small boats. The ship remained in the South China Sea as of Jan. 5, according to photos shared by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a spokesperson for the U.S. 7th Fleet, described the carrier strike group’s activities as “routine operations” in an email Monday.
According to captions accompanying the released photos, U.S. warships in the region routinely patrol to deter aggression, reinforce partnerships, and support regional stability.
Shortly after the Abraham Lincoln entered the South China Sea, China conducted its own live-fire exercise dubbed Justice Mission 2025 on Dec. 29 and 30. The drills encircled Taiwan and were described by China’s Eastern Theater Command as a response intended to deter support for Taiwanese independence.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under mainland control. Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy.
Comer did not respond to questions from Stars and Stripes regarding any connection between the Abraham Lincoln’s activities and China’s drills.
The carrier deployed alongside the USS Spruance, USS Michael Murphy, and USS Frank E. Peterson Jr., all guided-missile destroyers.
