The United States Central Command stated on Saturday (April 11) that during the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, sailors on board the aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” are ensuring that the carrier remains in a state of “highest readiness.” The “Lincoln” aircraft carrier is currently in the Arabian Sea participating in the U.S. military’s “Operation Epic Fury” targeting Iran.
The Central Command announced on their website that the daily operations on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” (CVN 72) are ongoing, with thousands of sailors ensuring that the ship maintains the highest state of readiness while navigating waters in the Middle East region.
The Command also released images of sailors maintaining the carrier.
Additionally, the Central Command released a photo showing U.S. Air Force C-130 transport plane crew members preparing to transport goods.
Not only is the aircraft carrier prepared for battle, but the lightning carrier “USS Tripoli” amphibious assault ship (LHA 7), which recently arrived in the Middle East to support “Operation Epic Fury,” is also continuously training and ready to engage in combat.
Images released by the Central Command show U.S. Marine Corps F-35B “Lightning II” fighter jets taking off from the “USS Tripoli” amphibious assault ship. The F-35B is capable of taking off and landing vertically on the flight deck of the “USS Tripoli,” which has a deck length of less than 850 feet.
White House officials stated that the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan held trilateral face-to-face talks in Islamabad on Saturday, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. The outcome of these negotiations and whether they will ultimately lead to a peace agreement is closely watched globally.
U.S. President Trump stated in a phone interview with NewsNation that negotiations with Iran have begun.
Trump described Iran as a “failing country,” but predicted the Strait of Hormuz would reopen in the “near future.” He warned that if negotiations do not progress well, the U.S. is prepared to “reignite (strike Iran).” The President said, “We are ready.”
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine announced on Wednesday (April 8) that since the launch of “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran on February 28, the U.S. military has struck over 13,000 Iranian military targets.
Caine added, “Forces of the Central Command have destroyed around 80% of Iran’s air defense systems, targeting over 1500 air defense targets, more than 450 ballistic missile storage facilities, and 801 one-way attack drone storage facilities. All of these systems no longer exist.”