The Navy released a dramatic photo of an F/A-18F Super Hornet preparing to launch at night from the San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln.
The nuclear-powered supercarrier was conducting readiness exercises in the Pacific Ocean in the 3rd Fleet area of operations during the past week.
In addition to Super Hornets, the ship carries new F-35C stealth fighters and a variety of other planes and helicopters — up to 90 in all. That’s more than the entire air force of many countries.
The Lincoln is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, which includes the San Diego-based cruiser USS Mobile Bay and the ships of Destroyer Squadron 21.
The carrier’s last deployment was for seven months ending in the fall of 2022.