The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) has departed the Middle East, leaving the region without a US carrier strike group for only the second time in over a year, USNI News reports.

The carrier has transitioned to the US 7th Fleet, while the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group advances toward the Mediterranean and is expected to head to US Central Command for Operation Prosperity Guardian, a mission focused on countering Yemeni operations targeting Israeli and Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea.

This marks the second instance since June 2024 that the Middle East has been without a carrier strike group. The Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) last transitioned through the Mediterranean during a similar period, as the US Navy continues to surge its forces globally to ensure a robust presence globally.

East Coast-based carriers have maintained a presence in the Eastern Mediterranean since December 2021, preceding the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in early 2022.

Movements Reflect Priorities

Naval adjustments in recent months have been influenced by escalating tensions in the region, including Yemeni operations targeting Israeli and Israeli-linked ships. These tensions escalated further on November 12, when the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) announced two significant military operations against US naval assets in the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and two US destroyers.

According to YAF spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the operations, conducted over eight hours using missiles and drones, inflicted significant damage on American vessels. Yemeni forces claimed the strikes were a defensive response to US and UK military aggression and support for "Israel's" ongoing genocidal operations in Gaza.

The YAF warned that continued aggression in Yemen and the broader region, including naval activity in the Red and Arabian Seas, would lead to further military responses. 

Read more: YAF drones, missiles 'freak' US Navy over attacks on destroyers

Strategic Deployments

Meanwhile, the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group quietly deployed from California this week for operations in the Pacific. After completing exercises like the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 and short sustainment cruises, the Vinson will support 3rd Fleet operations. The duration of the strike group's deployment remains unclear.

Additionally, the Navy is finalizing the transfer of USS George Washington (CVN-73) to Yokosuka, Japan, as its new homeport. Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 5 have already relocated to their bases in Japan, signifying the near completion of this strategic shift.

Read more: Japan, Australia, US boost Pacific militarization with joint drills

Despite the absence of a carrier, the Navy maintains a strong regional presence with destroyers independently deployed in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.

The Department of Defense has bolstered this effort with additional aircraft and destroyers following recent Yemeni operations in the Red Sea.