By Admin 
The US Navy’s most powerful battle group, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is now moving rapidly from the South China Sea towards the Middle East. The Pentagon has redirected this group amid increasing tension with Iran. This group alone has so much power that it can cause destruction equal to the entire army. It is a Nimitz class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of the largest warships in the world.
What’s in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group?
This is Carrier Strike Group 3, whose lead ship is USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). It runs on nuclear power, due to which it can remain in the sea for a long time without refueling. In this group-
- The main aircraft carrier is USS Abraham Lincoln, which weighs more than 1 lakh tons. There are 5 thousand to 6 thousand crew members and soldiers on it.
- 3-4 The Arleigh Burke-class consists of 3 to 4 guided-missile destroyers, such as USS Michael Murphy, USS Spruance, and USS Frank E. Peterson Jr.
- There are 1 to 2 nuclear attack submarines of the Virginia or Los Angeles class.
- There are also supporting ships for fuel and ammunition.
- There are a total of 7 to 8 thousand soldiers and marines in the entire fleet.
What aircraft are in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group?
Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) has 65-70 aircraft. This group can fly more than 150 sorties (flights) day and night. In this group-
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: It is a multi-role fighter, which can do both attack and air combat.
- F-35C Lightning II: VMFA-314 are stealth fighter jets of the squadron, which attack very fast and stealthily.
- E-2D Hawkeye: Do the work of aerial surveillance and command (AWACS).
- EA-18G Growler: There is electronic warfare, which jams the enemy’s radar.
- MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopter: This is an anti-submarine combat helicopter, which is used for search and rescue.
What are the biggest strengths and weapons of this group?
- There are hundreds of Tomahawk missiles in this group, which have a range of 1 thousand km. Can attack enemy airbases, navy, oil facilities and nuclear sites from a distance of more than 100 km.
- There are air-to-ground missiles and air-to-air missiles.
- There is also ballistic missile defense like Sea Sparrow, ESSM, RAM, Phalanx CIWS and SM-6.
- This group can gain air superiority, destroy the enemy navy and control places like the Strait of Hormuz.
Why is the US warship fleet heading towards Iran?
Tension between Iran and America has increased a lot. America is sending this group to the Middle East to protect its interests, help Israel and stop Iran. This group was carrying out routine operations in the South China Sea. But now the entire group will reach the Middle East in 1 week. It is ready to stop the war or launch a major attack if needed.
What impact will this have on India?
The situation in Iran may increase oil prices, which will affect India’s economy. This power of America can bring stability in the region or can also increase tension. The Government of India is keeping an eye on the situation. This is the biggest force of the US Navy, which can reach anywhere in the world quickly and have a big impact.