The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) arrived in Guam on Sept. 19, 2026, for a logistics stop, according to a U.S. Navy release. The carrier is returning to its homeport of San Diego, Calif., after a deployment that has now reached 302 days, following more than eight months in the Middle East.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as it makes its way home, according to USNI News. The carrier, along with destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121) and cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), transited the Surigao Strait and entered the Philippine Sea on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, per a social media post on the carrier’s official account. Japan-based Robert Smalls, which was temporarily attached to the strike group, returned to its homeport of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka on Friday, Sept. 18.
The DVIDS release quotes the Navy as saying units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct continuous patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength.
USNI News reported that the Abraham Lincoln had been in the Middle East for more than eight months before beginning its transit home.
The strike group’s return comes as other naval activity continues in the Indo-Pacific. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Fuyuzuki (DD-118) and Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG42) conducted bilateral exercise Nichi-Gou Trident 26-2 in the Philippine Sea from Sept. 12-14, 2026. The U.S. and Brunei held Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2026 from Monday to Friday, with the U.S. participating with Coast Guard cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145), littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS-30), and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
According to the Navy, the Abraham Lincoln is conducting routine operations in the 7th Fleet area of operations as it continues its transit home.
Sources: USNI News · DVIDS News