View source for USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

{{Short description|US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier}}
{{Other ships|USS Abraham Lincoln}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2015}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
|+USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72)
{{Infobox ship image
| Image = 
| image = File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Atlantic Ocean on 30 January 2019 (190130-N-PW716-1312).JPG
| Ship caption = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72) underway in the Atlantic Ocean on 30 January 2019
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship country = United States
| Ship flag = {{USN flag}}
| Ship name = ''Abraham Lincoln''
| Ship namesake = [[Abraham Lincoln]]
| Ship owner = 
| Ship operator = U.S. Navy
| Ship registry = 
| Ship route = 
| Ship ordered = 
| Ship awarded = 27 December 1982
| Ship builder = [[Newport News Shipbuilding]]
| Ship original cost = $2.24&nbsp;billion ($6.82&nbsp;billion in 2024)
| Ship yard number = 
| Ship way number = 
| Ship laid down = 3 November 1984
| Ship launched = 13 February 1988
| Ship sponsor = JoAnn K. Webb
| Ship christened = 13 February 1988
| Ship completed = 
| Ship acquired = 30 October 1989
| Ship commissioned = 11 November 1989
| Ship recommissioned = 
| Ship decommissioned = 
| Ship maiden voyage = 
| Ship in service = 
| Ship out of service = 
| Ship renamed = 
| Ship reclassified = 
| Ship refit = 
| Ship struck = 
| Ship reinstated = 
| Ship homeport = [[Naval Air Station North Island]]
| Ship fleet = [[Carrier Strike Group 12]]
| Ship identification = *{{MMSI Number|369970406}}
*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: NABE
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Alpha}}{{ICS|Bravo}}{{ICS|Echo}}
*[[Hull number]]: CVN-72
| Ship motto = ''Shall Not Perish''
| Ship nickname = *''Abe''
| Ship honors = 
| Ship captured = 
| Ship fate = 
| Ship status = {{Ship in active service}}
| Ship notes = 
| Ship badge = [[File:CVN-72 Crest.png|150px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship class = [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz''-class]] [[aircraft carrier]]
| Ship displacement = {{convert|104300|LT|ST}}<ref>{{cite book |title=The Naval Institute guide to the ships and aircraft of the U.S. fleet |last=Polmar |first=Norman |year=2004 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=978-1-59114-685-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/112 112] |url=https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm |url-access=registration |quote=nimitz class displacement. |access-date=26 September 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usna.edu/NAOE/_files/documents/Courses/EN400/04.04%20CVN.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501150936/https://www.usna.edu/NAOE/_files/documents/Courses/EN400/04.04%20CVN.pdf|url-status=live|title=CVN-68: NIMITZ CLASS|archive-date=1 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="autogeneratedmil">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=CVN72}}|title=USS Abraham Lincoln |website=[[Naval Vessel Register]] |access-date=12 May 2012}}</ref>
| Ship length = * Overall: {{convert|1092|ft|m|abbr=on|1}}
* Waterline: {{convert|1040|ft|m|abbr=on|1}}
| Ship beam = * Overall: {{convert|252|ft|m|abbr=on|1}}
| Ship frames = * Overall: 225 frames
* Waterline: {{convert|134|ft|m|abbr=on|1}}
| Ship height = 
| Ship draft = * Maximum navigational: {{convert|37|ft|m|abbr=on|1}}
* Limit: {{convert|41|ft|m|abbr=on|1}}
| Ship depth = 
| Ship hold depth = 
| Ship decks = 
| Ship deck clearance = 
| Ship ramps = 
| Ship ice class = 
| Ship power = 
| Ship propulsion = * 2 × [[Westinghouse Electric Company|Westinghouse]] [[A4W reactor|A4W nuclear reactors]]
* 4 × [[steam turbine]]s
* 4 × shafts
* {{convert|260000|shp|lk=on|abbr=on}}
| Ship sail plan = 
| Ship speed = Over {{convert|30|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = Unlimited distance; 20–25 years
| Ship endurance = 
| Ship test depth = 
| Ship boats = 
| Ship capacity = 
| Ship troops = 
| Ship complement = * Ship's company: 3,200
* Air wing: 2,480
| Ship crew = 
| Ship time to activate = 
| Ship sensors = * [[AN/SPS-48]]E 3-D air search radar
* [[AN/SPS-49]](V)5 2-D air search radar
* [[AN/SPQ-9]]B target acquisition radar
* [[AN/SPN-46]] air traffic control radar
* [[AN/SPN-43]]C air traffic control radar
* [[AN/SPN-41]] landing aid radar
* 4 × Mk 91 NSSM guidance systems
* 4 × Mk 95 radars
| Ship EW = * SLQ-32A(V)4 Countermeasures suite
* SLQ-25A Nixie torpedo countermeasures
| Ship armament = * 2 × Mk 57 Mod 3 [[Sea Sparrow]]
* 2 × [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]]
* 2 × [[Phalanx CIWS]]
| Ship armor = 
| Ship aircraft = 90 fixed wing and helicopters
| Ship aircraft facilities = 
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

'''USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72)''' is the fifth {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier}} in the [[United States Navy]]. She is the third Navy ship to have been named after the former President [[Abraham Lincoln]]. Her home port is [[NAS North Island]], San Diego, California; she is a member of the [[United States Pacific Fleet]]. She is administratively responsible to Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, and operationally serves as the [[flagship]] of [[Carrier Strike Group 3]] and host to [[Carrier Air Wing Nine]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Carrier-Air-Wing-CVW-9/ |title= Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 |publisher=US Navy |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> She was returned to the fleet on 12 May 2017, marking the successful completion of her [[Refueling and Complex Overhaul]] (RCOH) carried out at [[Northrop Grumman Newport News|Newport News Shipyard]]. In August 2024, USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' and her strike group deployed to the [[Middle East]] as part of the U.S. response to the [[2024 Iran–Israel conflict#Heightened tensions (August–September)|escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel]].

== ''Abraham Lincoln'' Carrier Strike Group ==
''Abraham Lincoln'' is part of [[Carrier Strike Group Three]] (CSG-3) with [[Carrier Air Wing Nine]] (CVW-9) embarked, with ''Abraham Lincoln'' as the [[flagship]] of the strike group and the home of the commander of [[Destroyer Squadron 21]].

=== Ships of Destroyer Squadron 21 ===
* [[USS O'Kane|USS ''O'Kane'' (DDG-77)]] - ''[[Arleigh Burke-class destroyer|Arleigh Burke]]'' class destroyer
* [[USS Spruance (DDG-111)|USS ''Spruance'' (DDG-111)]] - ''Arleigh Burke'' class destroyer
* [[USS Frank E. Petersen Jr.|USS ''Frank E. Petersen Jr.'' (DDG-121)]] - ''Arleigh Burke'' class destroyer

=== Squadrons of CVW-9 ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Code
!Insignia
!Squadron
!Nickname
!Assigned Aircraft
|-
|VFA-14
|[[File:VFA-14_Emblem.svg|center|55x55px]]
|[[VFA-14|Strike Fighter Squadron 14]]
|Tophatters
|[[F/A-18E Super Hornet]]
|-
|VFA-41
|[[File:VFA-41_Emblem.svg|center|53x53px]]
|[[VFA-41|Strike Fighter Squadron 41]]
|Black Aces
|[[F/A-18F Super Hornet]]
|-
|VMFA-314
|[[File:Knight314.png|center|43x43px]]
|[[VMFA-314|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314]]
|Black Knights
|[[F-35C Lightning II]]
|-
|VFA-151
|[[File:VFA-151 Emblem.svg|center|40x40px]]
|[[VFA-151|Strike Fighter Squadron 151]]
|Vigilantes
|[[F/A-18E Super Hornet]]
|-
|VAQ-133
|[[File:VAQ-133_Emblem.svg|center|42x42px]]
|[[VAQ-133|Electronic Attack Squadron 133]]
|Wizards
|[[EA-18G Growler]]
|-
|VAW-117
|[[File:Carrier_Airborne_Early_Warning_Squadron_117_(US_Navy)_-_insignia.jpg|center|40x40px]]
|[[VAW-117|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117]]
|Wallbangers
|[[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2D Hawkeye]]
|-
|HSC-14
|[[File:Helicopter_Sea_Combat_Squadron_14_(US_Navy)_emblem_2015.png|center|43x43px]]
|[[HSC-14|Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 14]]
|Chargers
|[[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60S Seahawk]]
|-
|HSM-71
|[[File:Helicopter_Maritime_Strike_Squadron_71_(US_Navy)_insignia_2016.png|center|47x47px]]
|[[HSM-71|Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71]]
|Raptors
|[[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60R Seahawk]]
|}

== Ship history ==
=== Construction ===
''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s contract was awarded to [[Northrop Grumman Newport News|Newport News Shipbuilding]] on 27 December 1982; her keel was laid 3 November 1984 at [[Newport News, Virginia]]. The ship was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 13 February 1988 and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 11 November 1989.

=== 1990 to 1999 ===
''Abraham Lincoln'' was transferred to the Pacific in September 1990 performing [[Gringo-Gaucho]] with the [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] during the transit. From 4 October, ''Abraham Lincoln'' formed CTG 24.8 in company with {{USS|Doyle|FFG-39|6}}; 6 October transit with {{USS|Pawcatuck|AO-108|6}} and ''Doyle'' in company.<ref>''Abraham Lincoln'' Command History 1990</ref> On 5 November 1990, as ''Abraham Lincoln'' was anchored in [[Valparaíso]], [[Frente Patriótico Manuel Rodríguez]] guerrillas detonated a bomb inside the restaurant Max und Moritz, in the seaside resort of [[Viña del Mar]], wounding three of her sailors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/05/world/3-us-sailors-injured-in-a-bombing-in-chile.html|title=3 U.S. Sailors Injured in a Bombing in Chile|date=5 November 1990|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=22 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020191705/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/05/world/3-us-sailors-injured-in-a-bombing-in-chile.html|archive-date=20 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s maiden [[Pacific Ocean|Western Pacific]] deployment came unexpectedly on 28 May 1991 in response to [[Operation Desert Shield]]/[[Operation Desert Storm|Desert Storm]]. The ship had the staffs of Commander, [[Carrier Strike Group Three|Carrier Group Three]], Rear Admiral Timothy W. Wright, and [[Destroyer Squadron 9]] embarked, as well as [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]]. She was accompanied by a seven-ship battle group.<ref>USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' Command History 1991</ref>

[[File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) battle group underway in the Pacific Ocean on 1 June 1991 (6475470).jpeg|thumb|Abraham Carrier Battle group shortly before Operation Fiery Vigil]]
While heading towards the Indian Ocean, the ship was diverted to support evacuation operations after [[Mount Pinatubo]] erupted on [[Luzon]] Island in the Philippines. In support of [[Operation Fiery Vigil]], ''Abraham Lincoln'' led a 23-ship armada that moved over 45,000 people from the [[Subic Bay Naval Station]] to the port of [[Cebu City|Cebu]] in the [[Visayas]]. It was the largest peacetime evacuation of active military personnel and their families in history. One baby was born onboard ''Abraham Lincoln'' during the evacuation; his mother named him Abraham Lincoln Prestera. After Fiery Vigil, ''Abraham Lincoln'' steamed toward the [[Persian Gulf]], to run reconnaissance and [[combat air patrol]]s in Iraq and Kuwait, assisting allied and US troops involved with Desert Storm. In early 1992, the ship was at [[Naval Air Station Alameda]] on Ship's Restricted Availability for minor maintenance and refitting.

From June 1993, ''Abraham Lincoln'' was the [[flagship]] of Commander, Carrier Group Three.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm |title=Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) |publisher=DANFS |access-date=12 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426053036/http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm |archive-date=26 April 2012 }}</ref> In October 1993, the carrier was ordered to the coast of Somalia to assist United Nations humanitarian operations. For four weeks, ''Abraham Lincoln'' flew air patrols over [[Mogadishu]] in support of [[Operation Restore Hope]].

''Abraham Lincoln'' was the first Pacific Fleet carrier to integrate female aviators into the crew after the Combat Exclusion Laws were lifted on 28 April 1993. The ship left [[Naval Station San Diego|San Diego]] on 24 October 1994, to begin refresher training. The next day, Lieutenant [[Kara Spears Hultgreen]], the first female [[F-14 Tomcat]] pilot, died when her plane crashed into the sea. Her F-14 suffered a [[compressor stall]] as she made her final approach, losing power to one of the engines. She aborted the landing to the best of her ability in an effort to prevent a collision with the aft end of the ship, and the plane inverted and went into the ocean. Radar intercept officer Lieutenant Matthew Klemish ejected safely from the plane and was rescued from the water minutes later. Hultgreen, who was automatically ejected 0.4 seconds after Klemish, rocketed straight into the ocean and was instantly killed. Her body, still strapped in the ejection seat, was recovered 19 days later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/hultgrn.htm |title=Kara Spears Hultgreen |website=arlingtoncemetery.net |access-date=23 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223074735/http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/hultgrn.htm |archive-date=23 February 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 1995, while maneuvering in fog off San Diego, ''Abraham Lincoln'' accidentally entered the racing area for the [[1995 Louis Vuitton Cup]], causing a yacht race in progress to be cancelled.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yacht Racing; A Surprise Cup Entry: An Aircraft Carrier |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/05/sports/yacht-racing-a-surprise-cup-entry-an-aircraft-carrier.html |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=5 February 1995}}</ref>

''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s third deployment began in April 1995 when she was sent to the Persian Gulf and took part in [[Operation Southern Watch]] and in [[Operation Vigilant Sentinel]].<ref name="Sentinel">{{cite news | url =https://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn72/Pages/CVN72History.aspx | title =USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) | publisher =United States Navy | quote =Lincoln deployed again to the Persian Gulf to support Operation Southern Watch and Vigilant Sentinel | access-date =27 June 2019 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20190627065558/https://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn72/Pages/CVN72History.aspx | archive-date =27 June 2019 }}</ref> During an underway replenishment, ''Abraham Lincoln'' was run into by {{USS|Sacramento|AOE-1|6}}, when the latter had steering difficulties due to a split rudder, impacting ''Sacramento''{{'}}s port side, crushing the M-frames, partially crushing a female crew berthing area, and punching a large hole in ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s superstructure (Meteorology compartment). ''Abraham Lincoln'' was able to continue on with her mission, while ''Sacramento'' had to dock at [[Jebel Ali]], United Arab Emirates, for several weeks for repair.

''Abraham Lincoln'' began a fourth deployment in June 1998. Once again, the ship headed for the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) > History |url=https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/USS-Abraham-Lincoln-CVN-72/About-Us/History/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |publisher=United States Navy}}</ref> ''Abraham Lincoln'' was awarded the [[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]], and ''Abraham Lincoln'' carrier battle group the [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] ribbon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscoralsea.net/docs/opnavnote1650.pdf |title=OPNAVNOTE 1650 |access-date=12 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323135151/http://www.usscoralsea.net/docs/opnavnote1650.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2012  }}</ref>

=== 2000s ===
The carrier's fifth deployment commenced in August 2000, when ''Abraham Lincoln'' again traveled to the Persian Gulf in support of Southern Watch. On this deployment, the carrier, air wing, and battle group ships earned the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. The ship earned the [[Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy]] as the most improved command in the [[United States Pacific Fleet|Pacific Fleet]].

''Abraham Lincoln'' was in port on 11 September 2001. The carrier was put to sea on 20 July 2002 to support [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Operation Enduring Freedom]]. She took up station once more in support of [[Operation Southern Watch]] before taking a port visit to [[Perth, Western Australia]]. During this time, ''Abraham Lincoln'' was ordered to the Persian Gulf to take part in [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. This forced the Navy to extend ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s stay from 20 January to 6 May 2003. The news of this extension was delivered to the ship's crew on New Year's morning, by the then battle group commander, Rear Admiral Kelly, with the phrase, "We don't need to be home holding our loved ones, we need to be here holding the line. Get over it!".  The term "Get over it" became a running joke aboard ship, which eventually led to a deployment patch made aboard that read "Westpac 2003 CVN-72 CVW-14 GET OVER IT", with an image intended to depict an admiral kicking a sailor in the groin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.av8rstuff.com/gifs/cvn72getoverit.JPG |title=AV8rstuff.com |access-date=12 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328094805/http://www.av8rstuff.com/gifs/cvn72getoverit.JPG |archive-date=28 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Mission Accomplished.jpg|thumb|left|''Abraham Lincoln'' returning to port carrying the Mission Accomplished banner, 2 May 2003]]

''Abraham Lincoln'' and the carrier battle group and air wing helped deliver the opening salvos and air strikes in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the air wing's deployment, some 16,500 sorties were flown and 1.6&nbsp;million pounds of ordnance were used. Sea Control Squadron 35 (VS-35), the "Blue Wolves", was instrumental in delivering over {{convert|1000000|lb}} of fuel to these strike aircraft, one of the largest aerial refueling undertakings by a carrier aviation squadron in history.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Mission Accomplished: Five Years On |url=https://www.dpc.senate.gov/dpcdoc.cfm?doc_name=fs-110-2-75 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Senate Democrats (.gov)}}</ref>

The carrier returned home in May 2003, in the process receiving a visit from President [[George W. Bush]] before officially ending ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s deployment by docking at San Diego before returning to homeport in Everett, Washington. Bush stated at the time that this was the end to major combat operations in Iraq. While this statement did coincide with an end to the conventional phase of the war, Bush's assertion—and a sign displayed during his visit—became controversial after [[guerrilla]] warfare in Iraq increased during the [[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)|Iraqi insurgency]]. The vast majority of casualties, both military and civilian, occurred after the speech.<ref name="auto1"/>

The [[White House]] said their services constructed the banner. As explained by Commander Conrad Chun, a Navy spokesman, "The banner was a Navy idea, the ship's idea. The idea popped up in one of the meetings aboard the ship preparing for her homecoming and thought it would be good to have a banner, '[[2003 Mission Accomplished speech|Mission Accomplished]].' The sailors then asked if the White House could get the sign made. The banner signified the successful completion of the ship's deployment," Cmdr. Chun continued, noting that ''Abraham Lincoln'' was deployed 290 days, longer than any other nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in history. This record was broken in 2020.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

[[File:ASW Fake FA37 1.jpg|thumb|A mock-up of the fictional [[Fictional military aircraft#F/A-37 Talon|F/A-37 Talon]] aboard ''Abraham Lincoln'' during production of the film ''[[Stealth (film)|Stealth]]'', 2004]]
[[File:US Navy 040615-N-6817C-030 A camera crew sets up for scenes to be taped on the flight deck for the upcoming motion picture Stealth.jpg|thumb|A [[camera crew]] sets up for scenes from the movie ''Stealth'' to be filmed on the flight deck with the crew]]

In June 2004, following a ten-month docking period, the ship put to sea for the start of working up prior to deployment. During this period, a film crew was hosted aboard to produce scenes for the film ''[[Stealth (film)|Stealth]]'', which included the presence of a full-scale model of a fictional aircraft, the F/A-37 Talon, that would feature as operating from the carrier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=13848 |title=Hollywood Joins Abe Underway to Film 'Stealth' |last1=Cook |first1=Michael |date=23 June 2004 |website=United States Navy |access-date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011194904/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=13848 |archive-date=11 October 2016 }}</ref> On 1 October 2004, the carrier's controlling formation was re-designated from Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three to [[Carrier Strike Group Nine]]. ''Abraham Lincoln'' departed for her next voyage on 15 October 2004.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=2004-2005 – Thailand (Operation Unified Assistance) |url=http://public2.nhhcaws.local/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/photography/humanitarian/21st-century/2000-2009/2004-2005-thailand-operation-unified-assistance.html |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command: National Museum of the U.S. Navy |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The carrier was on a port call in Hong Kong when the 9.0-magnitude [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]] struck southern Asia on 26 December 2004. To help with the international relief effort and assist with search and rescue efforts already underway, Carrier Strike Group 9, led by ''Abraham Lincoln'' deployed to the hard-hit western coast of [[Sumatra]] and [[Aceh]] in Indonesia to provide [[Humanitarian aid|humanitarian assistance]] as part of [[Operation Unified Assistance]].<ref name="auto"/>  ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s Air Transportation Office coordinated the flow of supplies into the region, and the carrier provided air traffic control for the relief effort.<ref>{{cite web | first=Michael |last=Hart | title= ATO Keeps Relief Workers, Supplies Flying | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16741 | work= NNS050126-03 | date= 26 January 2005 | access-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629121925/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16741 | archive-date= 29 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Hart | title= ''Lincoln'' Choreographs Supply Drops from Ship to Shore | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16534 | work= NNS050107-12 | publisher= Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 7 January 2005 | access-date= 24 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090906155510/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16534 | archive-date= 6 September 2009 }}</ref> Sailors from ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s Engineering Department Repair Division designed a potable water manifold to help bring fresh water to Aceh Province, Sumatra, with the system beginning to ship the much-needed fresh water on 4 January.<ref>{{cite web | first=Douglas H. |last=Stutz | title= Lincoln Sailors Design Potable Water System, Deliver Water to Banda Aceh | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16642 | website=United States Navy | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 18 January 2005 | access-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225347/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16642 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref>

In total, [[Carrier Strike Group Three 2004–09 operations|Carrier Strike Group Three]] delivered {{convert|5929000|lb|kg}} of relief and humanitarian supplies, including {{convert|2915500|lb|kg}} of food and {{convert|748410|lb|kg}} of medical supplies, during Operation Unified Assistance.<ref name=CommandHistory2004>{{cite web | first= John M. |last=Daniels | title= 2004 Command History: USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 | url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2004a.pdf | website= Naval History & Heritage Command | year= 2004 | access-date= 24 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120131163715/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2004a.pdf | archive-date= 31 January 2012 }}</ref> Carrier Strike Group Three received the [[Humanitarian Service Medal]] in recognition of its humanitarian assistance/[[disaster response]] (HA/DR) efforts during the OUA mission.<ref>{{cite DANFS | title = USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72): Unit Awards Received, with annotations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | access-date =21 December 2010}}</ref>
[[File:US Navy 050102-N-9593M-009 he Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) stationed off the coast of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.jpg|thumb|left|''Abraham Lincoln'' off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. January 2005]]
In mid-January 2005, the carrier left Indonesian waters after the Indonesian government refused to allow fighter pilots assigned to ''Abraham Lincoln'' to conduct air patrols and training flights. By law, US carrier-based pilots must practice at least once every two to three weeks to remain "fit", otherwise they are grounded. Despite the move into international waters, ''Abraham Lincoln'' continued to provide support to the region until 4 February. During the carrier's 33 days on station, she, along with her battle group, Carrier Strike Group Nine delivered 5.7&nbsp;million pounds of relief supplies. The 17 [[helicopter]]s assigned to HSL-47 Saberhawks and HS-2 "Golden Falcons", attached to CVW-2 flew 1,747 relief missions along the western coast of Sumatra. The carrier's departure coincided with the arrival of the hospital ship {{USNS|Mercy|T-AH-19|2}}.

Between 7 March and 27 May 2005, ''Abraham Lincoln'' underwent a docking planned incremental availability yard overhaul at [[Naval Station Everett]], Washington, and following subsequent sustainment training, the carrier underwent an additional planned incremental availability at NS Everett between 28 June and 26 August 2005.<ref name=DANFS2005>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): 2005 Operations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | access-date =21 December 2010}}</ref> Between 1 and 23 June 2005, ''Abraham Lincoln'' and Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) trained in the northern Pacific, conducting their quarterly Integrated Strike Group (ISG) Sustainment Training cycle.<ref name="DANFS2005" /><ref>{{cite web | first=Dave |last=Poe | title= ''Lincoln'', CVW-2 to Return to Sea for Surge Upkeep | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18738 | work= NNS050613-12 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 13 June 2005 | access-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225823/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18738 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref>
[[File:2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake relief3.jpg|thumb|Helicopters depart from ''Abraham Lincoln'' en route to [[Aceh]], [[Sumatra]], supporting humanitarian airlifts to tsunami-stricken coastal regions, early 2005]]
''Abraham Lincoln'' carried out surge sustainment training for the Fleet Response Plan, fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications, and Joint Task Force Exercise 2005 in southern Californian waters between 19 October and 16 November 2005.<ref name="DANFS2005" /><ref>{{cite web | first=Michael |last=Cook | title= Abe, CVW-2 Stay "Ready" With Quarterly Surge Training | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20841 | work= NNS051102-02 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 2 November 2005 | access-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225635/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20841 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= CCSG 9 Sets Sail for JTFEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20869 | work= NNS051102-04 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 11 November 2005 | access-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230352/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20869 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref> For JTFEX-05, ''Abraham Lincoln'' and Carrier Air Wing Two were joined by the guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Mobile Bay|CG-53|2}}; the guided-missile destroyers {{USS|Russell|DDG-59|2}} and {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86|2}}, and [[Carrier Strike Group Seven]] led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier {{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76|6}}.<ref name="DANFS2005" /><ref>{{cite web | title= USS ''Ronald Reagan'', Carrier Strike Group 7 Return from COMPTUEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20978 | work= NNS051110-14 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 10 November 2005 | access-date= 20 December 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070914023356/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20978 | archive-date= 14 September 2007 }}</ref>

On 18 December 2006, ''Abraham Lincoln'' left the dry dock at the shipyard ahead of schedule and under budget. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility completed ship tank maintenance in less than half the scheduled time. In 89 days, 18 tanks were completed. The Tank Value Stream Team achieved this by partnering with Ship's Force and the ''Abraham Lincoln'' Project Team. While in dry dock, the whole ship was painted by the crew at nights and on weekends rather than waiting for contractors to do the job.<ref name="DryDock">{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=25636 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212025259/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=25636 |archive-date=12 December 2012 |title= Lincoln Enters Dry Dock |work=NNS060920-03 | date=20 September 2006 |publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs|author1=Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James R. Evans  }}</ref>

On 5 January 2006, the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'' departed her homeport of Everett and transited to San Diego, California, for a scheduled underway period to undertake sustainment training exercises and post-refit inspection by the US Navy's [[Board of Inspection and Survey]] which were completed from 21 to 24 February.<ref>{{cite web | first=Michael |last=Cook | title= ''Lincoln'' Ready for Anything During Surge Sustainment Training | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21603 | work= NNS060109-06 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 9 February 2006 | access-date= 20 April 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230135/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21603 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref><ref name=DANFS2006>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): 2006 Operations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | access-date =21 December 2010}}</ref>

On 29 August 2006, ''Abraham Lincoln'' arrived at [[Naval Base Kitsap]] in [[Bremerton, Washington]], and on 8 September 2006, the carrier entered Dry Dock No. 6 at the [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility]] to begin a scheduled Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) yard maintenance period.<ref name="DANFS2006" /><ref>{{cite web | first=Bruce |last=McVicar | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' Arrives at NBK for Overhaul | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25332 | work= NNS060831-12 | publisher= Northwest Region Fleet Public Affairs | date= 31 August 2006 | access-date= 26 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090810111754/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25332 | archive-date= 10 August 2009 }}</ref><ref name=NNS060920-03>{{cite web | first=James R. |last=Evans | title= Lincoln Enters Dry Dock | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25636 | work= NNS060920-03 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 20 September 2006 | access-date= 26 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230348/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25636 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref> Major projects for this DPIA included the refurbishment of ship tanks, work on three of the four catapults, modernization of navigation systems, resurfacing of the flight deck, and updates to the ship's [[local area network]]. ''Abraham Lincoln'' also received installation of the [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]] system, which improved the ship's close-range defensive capabilities.<ref name="NNS060920-03" /><ref name=DANFS2007>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): 2006 Operations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | access-date =27 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): Changes in armament and major systems (Weapons and radar/sonar equipment) | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | access-date =21 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Kathleen |last=Corona | title= ''Lincoln'' Flight Deck Readies for Operations | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27718 | work= NNS070213-01 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 13 February 2007 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225557/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27718 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref> On 18 December 2008, ''Abraham Lincoln'' left dry dock ahead of schedule and under budget because the PSNS and IMF yard teams were able to cut the time of ship tank maintenance by more than half, completing 18 tanks in 89&nbsp;days.<ref>{{cite web | first= Mary A. |last=Mascianica | title= ''Lincoln'' Ahead of Schedule | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27156 | work= NNS061226-05 | publisher= Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Public Affairs | date= 26 December 2006 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230230/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27156 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref>

[[File:US Navy 060505-N-9079D-025 Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class David McKeehe works approach controller in Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATTC).jpg|thumb|An air traffic controller works approach control in Carrier Air Traffic Control Center aboard the {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|0}} aircraft carrier USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' in 2006]]

The aircraft carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'' held a fast cruise from the pier from 23 to 25 June and left Puget Sound on 26 June to conduct sea trials before returning to her homeport of Naval Station Everett on 30 June 2007.<ref name="DANFS2007" /><ref>{{cite web | first=Brandon |last=Wilson | title= ''Lincoln'' Completes Final Fast Cruise, Begins Sea Trials | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30362 | work= NNS070701-09 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 1 July 2007 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225922/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30362 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Jeannette |last=Bowles | title= ''Lincoln'' Heads to Sea Following Nine Months in Dry Dock | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30363 | work= NNS070702-09 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 2 July 2007 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230300/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30363 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Brad |last=Wages | title= ''Lincoln'' Comes Home, Again | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30399 | work= NNS070703-17 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 3 July 2007 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225716/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30399 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref> ''Abraham Lincoln'' underwent flight deck carrier qualifications while sailing in southern Californian waters 12–15 July . F/A-18E Super Hornets and F/A-18C Hornets from strike squadrons VFA-137 and VFA-151 joined [[VX-23]] test pilots performed precision approach drills to ensure that the ship's equipment, such as the Precision Approach Landing System, operated within close tolerances, with SH-60B Seahawks from squadron HS-2 providing search and rescue capabilities during flight operations.<ref name="DANFS2007" /><ref>{{cite web |first=James R. |last=Evans | title= Flight Deck Certification Gets ''Lincoln'' Back in Business | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30602 | work= NNS070718-13 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 19 July 2007 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230317/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30602 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 }}</ref>

On 20 August, ''Abraham Lincoln'' and embarked [[Carrier Air Wing Two]] completed their 25-day Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) training period off southern California. TSTA is designed to prepare the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group, and FEP is a graded 48-hour evolution to evaluate how well the units learned during TSTA. ''Abraham Lincoln'' and embarked CVW-2 aircraft conducted over 1,000 fixed-wing sorties. ''Abraham Lincoln'' completed five replenishments-at-sea evolutions, including two with the [[Replenishment oiler|fleet replenishment oiler]] {{USNS|Henry J. Kaiser|T-AO-187|2}}, and participated in 18 general quarters (GQ) drills. Also, on 13 August, ''Abraham Lincoln'' tested her defensive capabilities when she fired four [[RIM-7 Sea Sparrow|RIM-7P NATO Sea Sparrow missiles]], with two of them at [[BQM-74 Chukar|BQM-74E Chukar remote-operated aerial target drones]].<ref name="DANFS2007" /><ref>{{cite web | first=Kathleen |last=Corona | title= ''Lincoln'' Achieves Outstanding Grade During TSTA/FEP | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31355 | work= NNS070822-07 | publisher= USS Abraham Linco Public Affairs | date= 22 August 2007 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070912063310/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31355 | archive-date= 12 September 2007 }}</ref> Carrier Strike Group Nine's [[Composite Unit Training Exercise]] featured 24 sailors from Mobile Security Squadron 2 (MSRON-2), Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Team 1, a first for West Coast-based U.S. Navy ships. MSRON-2 Team 1 specializes in boarding noncompliant ships at sea in the dead of night, detaining the crew if necessary, and identifying suspected terrorists or subjects of interest, using the element of surprise afforded by helicopter insertion, night vision equipment, and state-of-the-art biometrics. MSRON-2 Team 1 was established in 2004 at [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]] in [[Portsmouth, Virginia]], and it was the first team of its kind to reach operational status.<ref>{{cite web | first=James R. |last=Evans | title= 'Unexpected Company' Arrives for ''Lincoln'' Strike Group's COMTUEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32877 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805105605/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32877 | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS071029-05 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 29 October 2007 | access-date=27 December 2010}}</ref>

Also, on 11 November 2007, an HH-60H Seahawk helicopter from squadron HS-2 crashed while operating from the ship about {{convert|100|mi|km}} from San Diego. Rescuers successfully pulled all seven crewmembers from the water.<ref name="DANFS2007" />

Between 3 and 30 January 2008, Carrier Strike Group Nine conducted anti-submarine exercises and Joint Task Force Exercise 03-08 (JTFEx 03–08) off southern California. On 16 January, [[United States Secretary of the Navy|Secretary of the Navy]] [[Donald C. Winter]] visited ''Abraham Lincoln''. On 20 January, a [[Boeing E-3A Sentry|NATO Boeing E-3A Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft]] was deployed from [[NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen]], Germany, with a multinational crew aboard for JTFEx 03–08, defended Carrier Strike Group Nine from a simulated air attack (30 January).<ref name=DANFS2008>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): 2008 Operations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | access-date =27 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=James |last1=Evans |first2=Patrick |last2=Bonafede | title= SECNAV Views ASW Exercise Aboard ''Lincoln'' | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34664 | work= NNS080129-04 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 29 January 2008 | access-date= 27 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080408233705/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34664 | archive-date= 8 April 2008 }}</ref>

''Abraham Lincoln'' began a planned incremental availability maintenance cycle at the [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]] in Bremerton, on 16 April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Patrick |last1=Bonafede | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Embodies Navy Ethos to Ensure Mission Readiness | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46176 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805062600/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=46176 | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS090615-02 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 15 June 2009 | access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref> The objective of this cycle is to refurbish ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s shipboard system to meet the anticipated 50-year service life of the ship, including an upgraded local area network system.<ref>{{cite web |first=Colby K. |last=Neal | title= ''Lincoln'' Planned Availability on Track at Halfway Mark | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47812 | work= NNS090823-01 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 23 August 2009 | access-date= 28 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110623054937/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47812 | archive-date= 23 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Sean |last=Gallagher | title= Lincoln First Carrier to Get LAN Upgrade | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48605 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805140410/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48605 | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | website= United States Navy | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 29 September 2009 | access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref> Beginning 1 December, ''Abraham Lincoln'' began daily flying squad, general quarters, and integrated training team drills in preparation for her first underway period following the ship's current maintenance cycle.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jimmy |last=Cellini | title= ''Lincoln'' Prepares for Underway with Training Drills | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50157 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805055056/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50157 | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | format= NNS091222-05 | website=United States Navy |publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref>

=== 2010 ===
On 13 January 2010, the carrier completed upgrades and repair that cost $250&nbsp;million at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The carrier was to be assigned to Carrier Strike Group Nine. On 3 February 2011, the ship was awarded the [[Battle Effectiveness Award]] for high standards of excellence and combat readiness.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bacon |first=Lance M.|url=http://militarytimes.com/news/2010/01/navy_lincolndone_011410w/|title=Lincoln leaves yard after $250M in upgrades |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906012434/http://militarytimes.com/news/2010/01/navy_lincolndone_011410w/ |archive-date=6 September 2012 |work=Military Times |date=14 January 2010}}</ref>

On 9 December 2010, the US Navy officially announced that Naval Station Everett, Washington, was the new homeport for {{USS|Nimitz}}, replacing ''Abraham Lincoln'', which would be undergoing a scheduled refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at the [[Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News|Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News shipyard]] in Virginia, which is slated to begin in 2013.<ref name=Wertheim>{{cite journal |last= Wertheim |first= Eric |author-link= Eric Wertheim |date= February 2011 |title= Combat Fleets |journal= U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 137 |issue= 2 |page= 92 |id= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-02/combat-fleets |access-date= 14 March 2011 |quote= Registration required. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193611/http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-02/combat-fleets |archive-date= 28 June 2011 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= Navy Announces USS ''Nimitz'' Homeport Change to Everett, Wash | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57665 | work= NNS101209-21 | publisher= [[U.S. Department of Defense]] | date= 9 December 2010 | access-date= 11 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111122005428/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57665 | archive-date= 22 November 2011 }}</ref>

=== 2011 ===
[[File:CVN72 Isola.jpg|thumbnail|A [[catapult officer]] inspects the catapult track prior to flight operations on ''Abraham Lincoln'' with fellow shipmates in the background]]
On 1 March 2011, the news media reported that the US Navy had awarded Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News a US$206.7 million option under a previously awarded contract to plan ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s RCOH.<ref>{{cite web | last=McCabe |first=Robert | title= Northrop Grumman gets $206.7M option on carrier work | url= http://hamptonroads.com/2011/02/northrop-grumman-gets-2067m-option-carrier-work | work= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] | date= 1 March 2011 | access-date= 7 March 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110711153916/http://hamptonroads.com/2011/02/northrop-grumman-gets-2067m-option-carrier-work | archive-date= 11 July 2011 | url-status= live }}</ref> The planning contract covered the design, documentation, engineering, advanced material procurement, inspections, fabrication, and support work for ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s RCOH, with more than 1,000 employees supporting this planning phase. Additional funding for the RCOH was pending the passage of the [[U.S. Department of Defense]]'s Fiscal Year 2011 budget appropriations by the [[U.S. Congress]]. Upon authorization, ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s RCOH was anticipated to begin in 2013, and is scheduled to take between three and four years to complete at an estimated overall cost of US$3 billion.<ref name="Wertheim" /><ref>{{cite web | last= Frost |first=Peter | title= Shipyard gets $206.7M to overhaul ''Lincoln'' | url= https://www.dailypress.com/2011/03/01/shipyard-gets-2067m-to-overhaul-lincoln/ | work= [[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]] | date= 1 March 2011 | access-date= 7 March 2011 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20110709193151/http://articles.dailypress.com/2011-03-01/business/dp-nws-lincoln-carrier-20110301_1_workers-between-major-construction-refueling-and-complex-overhauls-midlife-maintenance | archive-date= 9 July 2011 | url-status= live }}</ref>

On 1 August, the US Navy announced that ''Abraham Lincoln'' would shift homeport from Everett to Newport News for a scheduled RCOH in August 2012.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|date=1 August 2011|title=Change in Permanent Duty Station for Carrier Strike Group Nine|url=http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-400%20Organization%20and%20Functional%20Support%20Services/5400.8546.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322142914/http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-400%20Organization%20and%20Functional%20Support%20Services/5400.8546.pdf|archive-date=22 March 2012|access-date=9 September 2011|work=OPNAV NOTICE 5400 Ser DNS-33/llU228546|publisher=[[Chief of Naval Operations|Office of the Chief of Naval Operations]] – [[U.S. Department of the Navy]]}}</ref> The ship departed Everett for the deployment that would take the carrier around the world to Newport News in December 2011.

=== 2012 ===
From 6–10 January 2012, accompanied by guided missile cruiser {{USS|Cape St. George|CG-71|2}}, ''Abraham Lincoln'' visited the [[Gulf of Thailand]] port of [[Laem Chabang]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://navaltoday.com/2012/01/11/aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-concludes-thailand-port-visit/|title=Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Concludes Thailand Port Visit|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=11 January 2012 |work=Naval Today|quote=Aircraft carrier USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN 72), accompanied by guided-missile cruiser ''Cape St. George'' (CG 71), departed Laem Chabang, Thailand, 10 Jan., following a four-day port visit.|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512020949/http://navaltoday.com/2012/01/11/aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-concludes-thailand-port-visit/|archive-date=12 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> During the visit, [[Singapore]]-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia provided husbanding services, for which the Navy was billed $884,000. In November 2013, federal prosecutors charged that the Navy had been overbilled more than $500,000.<ref name=SandS>{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/navy-cancels-200-million-in-contracts-with-firm-in-bribery-scandal-1.253020|title=Navy cancels $200 million in contracts with firm in bribery scandal|author=Perry, Tony |date=15 November 2013|website=Stars and Stripes|quote=SAN DIEGO – The Navy has canceled more than $200 million in contracts with a Singapore-based company at the center of a spiraling scandal involving accusations of bribery and leaking of confidential information.|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031151843/http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/navy-cancels-200-million-in-contracts-with-firm-in-bribery-scandal-1.253020|archive-date=31 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 January, the US Navy announced that ''Abraham Lincoln'' had entered the Persian Gulf "without incident."  The deployment through the [[Straits of Hormuz]] came at a time of escalating tensions with Iran. ''Abraham Lincoln'', accompanied by a strike group of warships, was the first U.S. aircraft carrier to enter the Persian Gulf since late December 2011 and was on a "routine rotation" to replace the outgoing {{USS|John C. Stennis}}. The departure of ''John C. Stennis'' prompted Iranian army chief [[Ataollah Salehi]] to threaten action if another carrier passed back into the Persian Gulf, saying, "I recommend and emphasize to the American carrier not to return to the Persian Gulf. ... We are not in the habit of warning more than once,"<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/international/u-s-aircraft-carrier-enters-gulf-without-incident-day-after-iran-backs-from-threat-1.408687 |title=U.S. aircraft carrier enters Gulf without incident, day after Iran backs from threat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202003256/http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/u-s-aircraft-carrier-enters-gulf-without-incident-day-after-iran-backs-from-threat-1.408687 |archive-date=2 February 2012 |date=23 January 2012}}</ref> The US dismissed the warning.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/u-s-dismisses-iranian-warning-against-navy-carrier-in-gulf |title=Pentagon Officials Dismiss Iranian Warning Against US Carrier in Gulf |date=3 January 2012 |work=[[Fox News]] |access-date=7 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016050349/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/03/pentagon-officials-dismiss-iranian-warning-against-us-carrier-in-gulf/ |archive-date=16 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June, the actors, crew and producers of the film, ''[[Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter]]'' attended an unconventional preview screening for the over eighteen hundred sailors aboard the namesake vessel of the 16th president. The event marked the first time a major motion picture had its debut screening for troops deployed in the Middle East.<ref name="MovieDebut">{{cite web|url= http://wearemoviegeeks.com/2012/06/uss-abraham-lincoln-welcomes-abraham-lincoln-vampire-hunter/|last= Hannet |first=Michelle|title= USS Abraham Lincoln Welcomes Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter|website= WeAreMovieGeeks|date= 14 June 2012|access-date= 27 June 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120818164512/http://wearemoviegeeks.com/2012/06/uss-abraham-lincoln-welcomes-abraham-lincoln-vampire-hunter/|archive-date= 18 August 2012|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Watch">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/jwiCEsj8sa0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200421121749/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwiCEsj8sa0&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web | url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwiCEsj8sa0
|website=YouTube |  title= Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (USS Abraham Lincoln Premiere) Behind the Scenes|date= 14 June 2012 | format= Video}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

''Abraham Lincoln'' transited the [[Suez Canal]] northbound on 16 July<ref>{{cite web |author=U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68753 |title=USS Abraham Lincoln Concludes Eight-Month Deployment |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811163300/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68753 |archive-date=11 August 2012 }}</ref> and the [[Strait of Gibraltar]] on 26 July en route to the United States. On 7 August, ''Abraham Lincoln'' arrived at Norfolk Naval Station following an eight-month deployment to the US Navy's 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, in preparation for the [[Refueling and Complex Overhaul]] (RCOH) at Newport News.<ref>{{cite news|title= USS Lincoln arrives at Newport News shipyard|url= https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-20130328-2013-03-28-dp-nws-shipyard-lincoln-move-20130328-story.html|website= Daily Press|date= 28 March 2013|author1= Shapiro. Michael Welles}}</ref>

=== 2013 ===
On 8 February 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the scheduled mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul intended for ''Abraham Lincoln'' would be postponed pending the resolution of the upcoming [[budget sequestration]]. This budget shortfall would not only affect ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s refueling of her nuclear propulsion plant, but it would also delay the next scheduled mid-life complex overhaul involving {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|2}} forward-based in [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka, Japan]], as well as the de-fueling of the recently deactivated {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}}.<ref>{{cite news | title= Navy delays overhaul of aircraft carrier USS ''Abraham Lincoln'', citing budget concerns | url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/navy-delays-overhaul-of-aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-due-to-budget-concerns/2013/02/08/cd2cee38-7233-11e2-b3f3-b263d708ca37_story.html| newspaper= [[Washington Post]] | date= 8 February 2013 | access-date= 10 February 2013 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130412040806/http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/navy-delays-overhaul-of-aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-due-to-budget-concerns/2013/02/08/cd2cee38-7233-11e2-b3f3-b263d708ca37_story.html | archive-date= 12 April 2013 }} and {{cite web | title= Lack of Funding Affects USS Abraham Lincoln Refueling and Complex Overhaul | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71992 | work= NNS130208-17 | publisher= Defense Media Activity – Navy | date= 8 February 2013 | access-date= 10 February 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012723/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71992 | archive-date= 13 December 2014 }}</ref> By March 2013 Naval ship maintenance and overhaul budget issues had been addressed enough such that ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s RCOH had been confirmed and the ship was made ready to tow over to [[Newport News Shipbuilding]]. By mid-March she had been towed over and docked, and the RCOH work had begun.

=== 2014 ===
On 3 October 2014, Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding said that its workers had transferred a 30-ton anchor from ''Enterprise'', the Navy's first and oldest nuclear carrier, to be installed aboard ''Abraham Lincoln'' during that week.<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/03/us/navy-carrier-anchor/|title=Carrier turns donor: USS Enterprise gives anchor to USS Abraham Lincoln |newspaper=CNN U.S.|date=3 October 2014|access-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305235505/http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/03/us/navy-carrier-anchor|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The transfer was a result of an anchor replacement on ''Abraham Lincoln'' coinciding with the withdrawal of ''Enterprise'', preserving the anchor rather than it being [[Ship breaking|scrapped]] with the rest of the ship.

=== 2017 ===
[[File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway during sea trials on 11 May 2017.jpg|thumb|''Abraham Lincoln'' carries out a high-speed turn during [[sea trials]], May 2017]]
On 9 May 2017, ''Abraham Lincoln'' got underway for sea trials, following the four-year refueling and complex overhaul. More than 2.5 million man-hours of work were conducted aboard the ship, including refueling the reactors, upgrading ship's infrastructure and modernizing combat systems and air wing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness.<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100378|title=USS Abraham Lincoln Underway for Sea Trials|newspaper=U.S. Navy press release NNS170509-18 by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark Logico|date=9 May 2017|access-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511223615/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100378|archive-date=11 May 2017}}</ref><ref>US Navy ''[[Ships Monthly]]'' August 2017 page 14</ref> On 12 May, ''Abraham Lincoln'' was redelivered to the fleet.<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100447|title=Lincoln Achieves Redelivery|publisher=United States Navy|date=12 May 2017|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517180743/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100447|archive-date=17 May 2017}}</ref> On 8 September ''Abraham Lincoln'' was deployed with {{USS|Iwo Jima|LHD-7|6}} and {{USS|New York|LPD-21|6}} to provide aid to Florida following the [[Hurricane Irma]] disaster.<ref name="HurrIrma">{{cite news|url=https://news.usni.org/2017/09/12/helos-uss-abraham-lincoln-now-delivering-food-water-hurricane-irma-victims|last=Werner |first=Ben|title=Helos from USS Abraham Lincoln Now Delivering Food and Water to Hurricane Irma Victims|work=U.S. Naval Institute News|date=12 September 2017|access-date= 13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912221402/https://news.usni.org/2017/09/12/helos-uss-abraham-lincoln-now-delivering-food-water-hurricane-irma-victims|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CaribIrma">{{cite news|url= https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-hurricane-irma-recovery-damage-2017-9|last= Harrington |first=Rebecca|title= Florida and the Caribbean dig out of Hurricane Irma's devastation and begin a slow and costly recovery|work= Business Insider|date= 12 September 2017|access-date= 27 June 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190627063714/https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-hurricane-irma-recovery-damage-2017-9|archive-date= 27 June 2019|url-status= live}}</ref> The vessels joined {{USS|Farragut|DDG-99|6}} already on station.<ref name="IrmaResponse">{{cite news|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/09/08/aircraft-carrier-lincoln-heading-florida-irma-response.html|last=Sisk |first=Richard|title=Aircraft Carrier Lincoln Heading to Florida for Irma Response|work=Military.com|date=12 September 2017|access-date= 27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627063711/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/09/08/aircraft-carrier-lincoln-heading-florida-irma-response.html|archive-date=27 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2018 ===
On 2 August 2018, it was announced that ''Abraham Lincoln'' would return to San Diego as part of a home port shift for three carriers, thus returning her to the Pacific Fleet.<ref>{{cite web|title=Three Aircraft Carriers to Change Homeports|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=106596|work= NNS180802-19|publisher=Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs, U.S. Navy|date=2 August 2018|access-date=2 August 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180804200930/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=106596 | archive-date= 4 August 2018 }}</ref> At the end of August, [[VFA-125]] began operating from ''Abraham Lincoln'' as an integrated part of [[Carrier Air Wing Seven|CVW-7]], the first time that the [[Lockheed Martin F-35|F-35C]] had operated integrated cyclic operations, simulating the full spectrum of planned operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=106866|title=F-35C Lightning II Conducts Operational Test-1 Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln|last=Jean-Gilles|first=Jacques-Laurent|date=28 August 2018|publisher=United States Navy|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003733/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=106866|archive-date=1 September 2018}}</ref>

Also in August, a movie crew was aboard filming flight deck operations and flying sequences for the sequel ''[[Top Gun: Maverick]]'' off the coast of Virginia.<ref name="MovieTopGun2019">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/22/politics/top-gun-sequel-uss-abraham-lincoln/index.html|last1= Cohen |first1=Zachary|last2=Browne |first2=Ryan|title=''Top Gun'' sequel films aboard US aircraft carrier |work=CNN|date= 28 August 2018|access-date= 27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411070456/https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/22/politics/top-gun-sequel-uss-abraham-lincoln/index.html|archive-date=11 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NavToday">{{cite web|url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2018/08/23/top-gun-sequel-begins-filming-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln/|title=Top Gun sequel begins filming aboard USS Abraham Lincoln|website=Naval Today|date=23 August 2018|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616184100/https://navaltoday.com/2018/08/23/top-gun-sequel-begins-filming-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln/|archive-date=16 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WAVY">{{cite web|url=https://www.wavy.com/news/military/navy/filming-for-top-gun-sequel-taking-place-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln/1385610159|title=Filming for 'Top Gun' sequel taking place aboard USS Abraham Lincoln|date=21 August 2018|website=WAVY.com|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406042743/https://www.wavy.com/news/military/navy/filming-for-top-gun-sequel-taking-place-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln/1385610159|archive-date=6 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2019 ===
On 1 April 2019, ''Abraham Lincoln'' and [[Carrier Strike Group 12]] departed Norfolk for a six-month deployment that will end with a shifting of homeport to [[Naval Base San Diego|San Diego]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wtkr.com/2019/03/27/uss-abraham-lincoln-carrier-strike-group-departing-for-deployment-monday/ |title=USS Abraham Lincoln deploys from Norfolk, will shift to new home in California |date= 27 March 2019|access-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401202439/https://wtkr.com/2019/03/27/uss-abraham-lincoln-carrier-strike-group-departing-for-deployment-monday/ |archive-date=1 April 2019 |url-status=live |website=WGNT|last=Corillo |first=Todd |location=Norfolk, Virginia}}</ref> On 9 April she arrived in the [[United States Sixth Fleet]] area of operations, where she would operate in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] before proceeding to the Persian Gulf, then the Indian Ocean and the [[South China Sea]], before heading across the Pacific Ocean to her new homeport in San Diego.<ref name=navaltoday-20190409>{{cite news |url=https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/09/us-aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-arrives-in-europe/ |title=US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Europe |website=NavalToday.com |date=9 April 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510231049/https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/09/us-aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-arrives-in-europe/ |archive-date=10 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 April, ''Abraham Lincoln'' was reported to have operated simultaneously along with ''John C. Stennis'' in the Mediterranean Sea, the two carrier strike groups' operations including more than 130 aircraft, 10 ships, and 9,000 sailors and marines, according to the press release published by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/US 6th Fleet.<ref name="twogroupspress">{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=109345 |title=Ambassador to Russia, Naval Forces Europe Commander, view dual aircraft carrier strike group operations in the Mediterranean| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423192442/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=109345 |archive-date=23 April 2019 | website=NNS190423-10 |publisher=U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/US 6th Fleet Public Affairs |date= 23 April 2019}}</ref> The operations were observed from the aircraft carrier by [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Russia|U.S. Ambassador to Russia]], [[Jon Huntsman Jr.|Jon Huntsman]] and Admiral [[James G. Foggo III|James Foggo]], commander, [[United States Naval Forces Europe – Naval Forces Africa|U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa]] and [[Joint Force Command Naples]].<ref name="twogroupspress" /> While aboard, Huntsman said: "Diplomatic communication and dialogue coupled with the strong defense these ships provide demonstrate to Russia that if it truly seeks better relations with the United States, it must cease its destabilizing activities around the world."<ref name="twogroupspress" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/23/europe/us-carrier-operations-mediterranean-sea/index.html|title=In the Mediterranean, US aircraft carrier operations serve as floating American diplomacy |last1=Pleitgen |first1=Frederik |date=23 April 2019 |website=CNN | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424155134/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/23/europe/us-carrier-operations-mediterranean-sea/index.html | archive-date=24 April 2019 }}</ref> On 5 May this deployment was diverted to the [[Middle East]] due to tensions with Iran<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/in-message-to-iran-white-house-announces-new-military-assets-in-middle-east/2019/05/05/7d7381d8-6f9b-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html|last1=DeYoung|first1=Karen|last2=Ryan|first2=Missy|date=5 May 2019|title=In message to Iran, White House announces new military assets in Middle East|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506133038/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/in-message-to-iran-white-house-announces-new-military-assets-in-middle-east/2019/05/05/7d7381d8-6f9b-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html|archive-date=6 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and headed to the Persian Gulf. Her transit was expedited by omitting a port visit to [[Split, Croatia]].<ref name=news-20190509>{{cite news |url=https://news.usni.org/2019/05/09/uss-abraham-lincoln-now-in-middle-east-heading-to-the-persian-gulf |title=USS Abraham Lincoln Operating in Middle East After 'Expedited' Transit |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |work=[[United States Naval Institute|USNI News]] |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512232104/https://news.usni.org/2019/05/09/uss-abraham-lincoln-now-in-middle-east-heading-to-the-persian-gulf |archive-date=12 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October, it was revealed that ''Abraham Lincoln''{{'}}s Middle East deployment would be extended due to an electrical malfunction on {{USS|Harry S Truman}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/09/13/Navys-Truman-Carrier-Strike-Group-deploys-without-its-aircraft-carrier/6951568389626/|title=Navy's Truman Carrier Strike Group deploys without its aircraft carrier|author1=Adamczyk, Ed|date=13 June 2019 |website=UPI}}</ref>

=== 2020 ===

''Abraham Lincoln'' arrived in her new homeport in San Diego on 20 January following a record-breaking 295 days at sea, the longest post-[[Cold War]] era deployment for a US carrier, breaking her own record in the process.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-news/uss-abraham-lincoln-returns-from-around-the-world-deployment|title=USS Abraham Lincoln returns from around-the-world deployment|date=20 January 2020|last=Saunders|first=Mark|work=ABC 10 News|location=San Diego, California}}</ref>
[[File:Amy Bauernschmidt USN 2019.jpg|thumb|Capt. Bauernschmidt in 2019]]

On 18 December, the Navy announced Captain [[Amy Bauernschmidt]] would take command of ''Abraham Lincoln'' in following summer of 2021, the first time a woman would command an aircraft carrier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.airpac.navy.mil/News/Article/2470881/female-co-will-command-aircraft-carrier-for-first-time/|title=Female CO Will Command Aircraft Carrier for First Time |publisher= Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific fleet|access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref>

=== 2021 ===
Captain Bauernschmidt, who previously served as the carrier's executive officer from 2016 to 2019, relieved Captain Walt Slaughter at a change of command ceremony in San Diego on 19 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2021/08/20/this-navy-captain-is-now-the-first-woman-commanding-a-nuclear-aircraft-carrier/|title=This Navy captain is now the first woman commanding a nuclear aircraft carrier. Unfortunately for many personnel still held or extended on board from RCOH. |publisher=navytimes.com|date=20 August 2021|access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref> On 31 August, an [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60S Knighthawk]] helicopter, embarked aboard ''Abraham Lincoln'', crashed into the Pacific Ocean at approximately 4:30pm ([[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]) while conducting routine flight operations, approximately {{convert|60|nmi|km}} off the coast of San Diego. Five crew members were killed while one was rescued during subsequent search and rescue operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2021/09/01/helicopter-embarked-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln-crashes-into-the-pacific/|title=Helicopter embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln crashes into the Pacific|work=Navy Times|date=1 September 2021|access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-navy-helicopter-crashes-off-san-diego-coast-pacific-fleet-says-2021-09-01/|title=U.S. Navy helicopter crashes off San Diego coast, Pacific Fleet says|work=Reuters|date=1 September 2021|access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref>

=== 2022 ===
On 4 January, [[Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314]] (VMFA-314) became the first Marine Corps F-35C squadron to be deployed on an aircraft carrier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/01/first-usmc-f-35c-squadron-deploys-on-an-aircraft-carrier/|title=First USMC F-35C Squadron Deploys on an Aircraft Carrier |work=Naval News|date=5 January 2022|access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2888676/first-usmc-f-35c-squadron-deploys/|title=First USMC F-35c Squadron Deploys|publisher=United States Navy|date=5 January 2022|access-date=30 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-marine-corps/2022/01/13/first-marine-f-35c-deploys-on-aircraft-carrier/|title=First USMC F-35c Squadron Deploys on Aircraft Carrier|work=Defense News|date=13 April 2022|access-date=30 April 2022}}</ref>

On 21 May, ''Abraham Lincoln'' steamed into [[Tokyo Bay]] to relieve USS ''Ronald Reagan''.<ref>{{cite news |title=USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: May 23, 2022 |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/05/23/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-may-23-2022 |work=[[United States Naval Institute#USNI News|USNI News]] |date=1 June 2022 |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> The ''Abraham Lincoln'' carrier strike group was scheduled to participate in [[RIMPAC]] 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.usni.org/2022/06/27/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-june-27-2022 | title=USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: June 27, 2022 | date=27 June 2022 }}</ref>

On 21 September, the water onboard was discovered to be contaminated. Various reports were made to the chain of command onboard but the commanding officer, Captain Bauernschmidt, did not inform the crew until the following day, almost 24 hours after initial reports were made. Reports continued throughout the evening, but actions by the engineering staff did little. The contaminated tank was even reintroduced back into service after being taken offline earlier in the day. Test reports of seven water samples revealed the presence of ''[[E. coli]]''. Upon receipt of the test results, Captain Bauernschimdt told the crew of the contamination followed by, "before anybody starts freaking out, E. coli is an extremely common bacteria. Matter of fact, every single person on this ship has it in their digestive system right now."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/16/navy-investigation-of-carrier-water-contamination-finds-crew-equipment-failures.html|title=Navy Investigation of Carrier Water Contamination Finds Crew, Equipment Failures|first=Konstantin|last=Toropin|date=16 May 2023|website=Military.com}}</ref>

On 11 November, ''Abraham Lincoln'' hosted a college basketball game on her deck between [[2022–23 Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team|Gonzaga University]] and [[2022–23 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team|Michigan State University]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34239444/gonzaga-michigan-state-play-uss-abraham-lincoln-nov-11|title=Gonzaga, Michigan State to play on USS Abraham Lincoln on Nov. 11|work=espn.com|date=14 July 2022| access-date=14 July 2022}}</ref> won 64–63 by Gonzaga.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401484527 |title=Timme's 22 lead No. 2 Zags past Spartans on carrier deck |agency=Associated Press |website=ESPN |date=11 November 2022 |access-date=12 November 2022}}</ref> The carrier suffered a minor fire that injured nine sailors on 29 November. The cause is unknown and an investigation was launched.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ziezulewicz |first=Geoff |date=30 November 2022 |title=Fire aboard aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln injures 9 sailors |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/11/30/fire-aboard-aircraft-carrier-abraham-lincoln-injures-9-sailors/ |access-date=1 December 2022 |website=Navy Times |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2024 ===
On 2 August, the ''Abraham Lincoln'' carrier strike group was ordered by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Defense Secretary]] [[Lloyd Austin]] to relieve {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|6}} operating in the [[Gulf of Oman]], joining other US naval forces in the region as a deterrent against potential Iranian aggression against Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |date=2 August 2024 |title=US sending aircraft carrier, warships and fighter squadron to Middle East as region braces for Iranian retaliation |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/02/politics/us-warships-middle-east-brace-iranian-retaliation/index.html |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |date=12 August 2024 |title=Defense secretary orders submarine to Middle East, accelerates arrival of strike group ahead of anticipated Iran attack |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/11/politics/defense-secretary-strike-group-iran/index.html |access-date=12 August 2024 |website=CNN}}</ref> On 21 August, the [[United States Central Command|U.S. Central Command]] announced that the vessel had arrived in the Middle East. Austin had ordered her to speed up in order to help Israel in case of a potential attack from Iran.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=Gary |date=22 August 2024 |title=San Diego-bound warship USS Kingsville to be commissioned Saturday |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/08/22/san-diego-bound-warship-uss-kingsville-to-be-commissioned-saturday/ |access-date=22 August 2024 |website=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 9 November Marine F-35Cs from ''Abraham Lincoln'' carried out strikes on the [[Houthi movement]] in Yemen in the context of the [[Red Sea crisis]].<ref name=Trevithickyemen>{{cite news |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=12 November 2024 |title=F-35C Naval Joint Strike Fighters Fly Combat Missions Against Houthis In Yemen |url=https://www.twz.com/air/f-35c-naval-joint-strike-fighters-fly-combat-missions-against-houthis-in-yemen |work=The War Zone |access-date=13 November 2024}}</ref>

On 12 November, the Yemeni Houthi group announced the launch of two military operations described as "qualitative" in the Red and Arabian Seas that lasted eight hours, targeting an aircraft carrier and two US destroyers. At least eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles and three anti-ship cruise missiles were aimed at {{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106|6}} and {{USS|Spruance|DDG-111|6}}. All missiles were intercepted or did not hit their targets. There were no injuries or damage to the two destroyers. Houthi spokesman Brigadier General [[Yahya Saree]] claimed the attack on the two destroyers was successful in a post on social media site X. Saree also said the Houthis attacked ''Abraham Lincoln'' in the Arabian Sea. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General [[Patrick S. Ryder]] said he was not aware of any attacks against the aircraft carrier. Supporters of the Houthis and many Indonesian and Singaporean news outlets made false claims about ''Abraham Lincoln'' being "damaged and returning home", and even going as far as to say it had sunk. Additional false claims of having damaged or sunk the aircraft carriers {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower}} and {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|6}} were made by social media users. As of November 2024, there had been no reports of damage to US warships by Houthi attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mongilio |first=Heather |date=12 November 2024 |title=Houthis Attack Two Destroyers Leaving The Red Sea, Pentagon Says|url=https://news.usni.org/2024/11/12/houthis-attack-two-u-s-destroyers-leaving-the-red-sea-pentagon-says|access-date=12 November 2024 |website=USNI News}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
{{center|
<small>Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.</small>

<gallery widths=180>
File:USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) tied up at Naval Station Norfolk on 25 September 1990 (6463991).jpeg|''Abraham Lincoln'' docked next to the carrier [[USS Enterprise (CVN-65)|''Enterprise'']], 1990
File:Abraham-Lincoln-battlegroup.jpg|USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' carrier battle group during the RIMPAC exercises on 20 June 2000.
File:US Navy 020421-N-8794V-001 USS Lincoln - Gulf of Alaska.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' sailing in the Gulf of Alaska as part of the "Northern Edge" Joint Training Exercise, 19 April, 2002
File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) manning rails for USS Arizona.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' passes the [[Battleship|battleship]], [[USS Missouri (BB-63)|USS ''Missouri'']] at [[Pearl Harbor]], [[Hawaii]], 1 August 2002
File:US Navy 020911-N-6020P-021 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) spells out.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln's'' crew spells out READY NOW, September 11, 2002
File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Western Pacific on 21 December 2004 (041221-N-1229B-066).jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' sailing in the Western Pacific Ocean in 2004.
File:USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the South China Sea on 8 May 2006 (060508-N-4166B-030).jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' underway in the South China Sea, 2006
File:US Navy 080930-N-0879R-001 The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is moored at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a brief port visit before completing a seven-month deployment.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' docked at Pearl Harbor at night, 2008
File:USSAbrahamLincolnByPhilKonstantin.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' in San Diego Bay, 2011.
File:US Navy 120119-N-QH883-199 The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) join for a turnover of.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' with her [[sister ship]] [[USS John Stennis|''John Stennis'']]
File:USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 20220524e.jpg|''Abraham Lincoln'' docked at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Naval Base Yokosuka, Japan]], 2022
</gallery>
}}

== See also ==
* [[2003 Mission Accomplished Speech]]
* [[List of aircraft carriers]]
* [[List of aircraft carriers of the United States Navy]]
* [[Modern United States Navy carrier air operations]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
* USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72) command histories – [[Naval History & Heritage Command]]
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* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1989a.pdf 1989] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112413/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1989a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1990a.pdf 1990] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112425/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1990a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1991a.pdf 1991] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112435/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1991a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1992a.pdf 1992] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112443/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1992a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1993a.pdf 1993] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112602/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1993a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
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* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1994a.pdf 1994] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112612/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1994a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1995a.pdf 1995] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013162917/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1995a.pdf |date=13 October 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1996a.pdf 1996] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112623/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1996a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1997a.pdf 1997] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916064050/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1997a.pdf |date=16 September 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1998a.pdf 1998] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112641/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1998a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
{{col-break}}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1999a.pdf 1999] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112706/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/1999a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2001a.pdf 2001] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112918/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2001a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2002a.pdf 2002] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105112943/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2002a.pdf |date=5 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2003a.pdf 2003] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915181822/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2003a.pdf |date=15 September 2012 }}
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2004a.pdf 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131163715/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2004a.pdf |date=31 January 2012 }}
{{col-end}}
* {{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm}}g

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/USS-Abraham-Lincoln-CVN-72/}}
* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/aircraft_carriers/uss_abraham_lincoln_cvn_72_page_1.htm Maritimequest USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' CVN-72 pages]
* Story Archive – U.S. Navy, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110629053350/http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=96 USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72)]
* [http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn72history.htm USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' history at U.S. Carriers]
* {{cite web|url=http://www.lincoln.navy.mil/|title=USS ''Abraham Lincoln''|access-date=2 February 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001018223700/http://www.lincoln.navy.mil/|archive-date=18 October 2000}}

{{Nimitz class aircraft carrier}}
{{Nuclear surface ships}}
{{Abraham Lincoln}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abraham Lincoln (Cvn-72)}}
[[Category:Nimitz-class aircraft carriers]]
[[Category:1988 ships]]
[[Category:Cold War aircraft carriers of the United States]]
[[Category:Aircraft carriers of the United States]]
[[Category:Nuclear-powered ships of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia]]