Breaking: Iranian drone came too close to the Lincoln "in a threatening manner."

The drone now sits in pieces on the sea floor. This occurred right before Steve Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Iranian officials at their request to "negotiate."

I'm sure more details will emerge soon.

Quote:US military shoots down Iranian drone approaching USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea, official says
CENTCOM says an F-35C fighter jet from USS Abraham Lincoln shot down Iranian drone in 'self-defense'

By Greg Norman-Diamond , Liz Friden Fox News
Published February 3, 2026 12:32pm EST | Updated February 3, 2026 1:11pm EST

The U.S. military shot down an unmanned Iranian drone Tuesday after it "aggressively approached a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier with unclear intent," a U.S. Central Command spokesman told Fox News.

"USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was transiting the Arabian Sea approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast when an Iranian Shahed-139 drone unnecessarily maneuvered toward the ship," Capt. Tim Hawkins added.

"The Iranian drone continued to fly toward the ship despite de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. forces operating in international waters," CENTCOM also said. " An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone in self-defense and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board."

Hawkins said no U.S. service members were injured and no U.S. equipment was damaged during the incident.


The USS Abraham Lincoln sails in the Pacific Ocean in this photo released in August 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Daniel Kimmelman)

Hawkins also told Fox News on Tuesday that, "During a separate incident hours later in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces harassed a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed merchant vessel lawfully transiting the international sea passage."

"Two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached M/V Stena Imperative at high speeds and threatened to board and seize the tanker," the CENTCOM spokesman said. "Guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) was operating in the area and immediately responded to the scene to escort M/V Stena Imperative with defensive air support from the U.S. Air Force. The situation de-escalated as a result, and the U.S.-flagged tanker is proceeding safely."


An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln during routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea, in this image released by U.S. Central Command on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. CENTCOM said the "Abraham Lincoln is deployed to support security and stability within the Middle East region." (U.S. Central Command)

The USS Abraham Lincoln is in the Middle East after President Donald Trump said last week that, "A massive Armada is heading to Iran."


The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is shown at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif., on Aug. 11, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

"It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "Hopefully, Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!"

https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-militar...icial-says

Turn them to glass if they sent a drone to harass or theeaten one of our carriers.

(02-03-2026 01:33 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  Turn them to glass if they sent a drone to harass or theeaten one of our carriers.

While our envoy was on his way to meeting with them. Why do they think they can intimidate us? They are playing with fire. Literally.

I know. I was stationed on the USS Forrestal, the first "super carrier." We could have leveled an entire city in a matter of minutes. And it launched in 1955.

Can you imagine what a nuclear powered carrier can do in 2026? Yikes.

Not to mention, it has an entire Carrier Strike Group (CSG) sailing with it. Another 6-10 warships of all flavors.

IDK the exact makeup for this deployment, but here is some of this actual CSG, plus estimates for the remainder of the Group:

1 Flagship: The USS Abraham Lincoln.

3–4 Guided-Missile Destroyers (DDGs): Currently, the group is escorted by the USS Spruance (DDG-111), USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121).

1 Guided-Missile Cruiser (CG): Traditionally, the USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is assigned to CSG 3, though it may not always be present on every segment of a deployment.

1–2 Attack Submarines (SSN): At least one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine typically operates in a support role, though its presence is rarely officially confirmed for security reasons.

1 Logistics/Supply Ship: A combined ammunition, oiler, and supply ship (such as a Supply-class T-AOE) often accompanies the group to provide fuel and provisions.

Integrated Air Support

The carrier also carries Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, which consists of approximately 9 squadrons and 65–70 aircraft. This wing includes:

F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for early warning.

MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters.

(02-03-2026 01:41 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 01:33 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  Turn them to glass if they sent a drone to harass or theeaten one of our carriers.

While our envoy was on his way to meeting with them. Why do they think they can intimidate us? They are playing with fire. Literally.

I know. I was stationed on the USS Forrestal, the first "super carrier." We could have leveled an entire city in a matter of minutes. And it launched in 1955.

Can you imagine what a nuclear powered carrier can do in 2026? Yikes. Not to mention, it has an entire task force sailing with it. About another 15 or so warships of all flavors.

Vitrification of the entire region.

I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

(02-03-2026 02:02 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

Too bad you can't reach out to him, but at this point, he clearly has more important things on his plate at the moment. (I know you know that, but sometimes, it still need to be said.)

(02-03-2026 02:02 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

Usually, when a CSG moves into a potential battle situation, they cut off all but essential electronic communications. So I doubt personal emails in that Group would survive the cut, lol.

(02-03-2026 01:41 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 01:33 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  Turn them to glass if they sent a drone to harass or theeaten one of our carriers.

While our envoy was on his way to meeting with them. Why do they think they can intimidate us? They are playing with fire. Literally.

I know. I was stationed on the USS Forrestal, the first "super carrier." We could have leveled an entire city in a matter of minutes. And it launched in 1955.

Can you imagine what a nuclear powered carrier can do in 2026? Yikes.

Not to mention, it has an entire Carrier Strike Group (CSG) sailing with it. Another 6-10 warships of all flavors.

IDK the exact makeup for this deployment, but here is some of this actual CSG, plus estimates for the remainder of the Group:

1 Flagship: The USS Abraham Lincoln.

3–4 Guided-Missile Destroyers (DDGs): Currently, the group is escorted by the USS Spruance (DDG-111), USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121).

1 Guided-Missile Cruiser (CG): Traditionally, the USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is assigned to CSG 3, though it may not always be present on every segment of a deployment.

1–2 Attack Submarines (SSN): At least one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine typically operates in a support role, though its presence is rarely officially confirmed for security reasons.

1 Logistics/Supply Ship: A combined ammunition, oiler, and supply ship (such as a Supply-class T-AOE) often accompanies the group to provide fuel and provisions.

Integrated Air Support

The carrier also carries Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, which consists of approximately 9 squadrons and 65–70 aircraft. This wing includes:

F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for early warning.

MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters.

By number per plane type (per Grok)...

F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters. (10-12 flown by Marines)

F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. (30-36 multi role fighters)

EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare. (5-7)

E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for early warning. (4-5)

MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters for multirole missions like anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, etc. (10-11)

CMV-22B Osprey for logistics (3-4) for logistics

It is powerful force seeding, no doubt, fear in our enemies.

Iranian Gunboats?



https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iranian...y-presence

Is this a joke?

They couldnt take Lake Ponchetrain on a tuesday afternoon.
We need tto just conquer and subjugate these retards

(02-03-2026 02:09 PM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 01:41 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 01:33 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  Turn them to glass if they sent a drone to harass or theeaten one of our carriers.

While our envoy was on his way to meeting with them. Why do they think they can intimidate us? They are playing with fire. Literally.

I know. I was stationed on the USS Forrestal, the first "super carrier." We could have leveled an entire city in a matter of minutes. And it launched in 1955.

Can you imagine what a nuclear powered carrier can do in 2026? Yikes.

Not to mention, it has an entire Carrier Strike Group (CSG) sailing with it. Another 10 or so warships of all flavors.

IDK the exact makeup for this deployment, but here is some of this actual CSG, plus estimates for the remainder of the Group:

1 Flagship: The USS Abraham Lincoln.

3–4 Guided-Missile Destroyers (DDGs): Currently, the group is escorted by the USS Spruance (DDG-111), USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121).

1 Guided-Missile Cruiser (CG): Traditionally, the USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is assigned to CSG 3, though it may not always be present on every segment of a deployment.

1–2 Attack Submarines (SSN): At least one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine typically operates in a support role, though its presence is rarely officially confirmed for security reasons.

1 Logistics/Supply Ship: A combined ammunition, oiler, and supply ship (such as a Supply-class T-AOE) often accompanies the group to provide fuel and provisions.

Integrated Air Support

The carrier also carries Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, which consists of approximately 9 squadrons and 65–70 aircraft. This wing includes:

F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for early warning.

MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters.

By number per plane type (per Grok)...

F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters. (10-12 flown by Marines)

F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. (30-36 multi role fighters)

EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare. (5-7)

E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for early warning. (4-5)

MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters for multirole missions like anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, etc. (10-11)

CMV-22B Osprey for logistics (3-4) for logistics

It is powerful force seeding, no doubt, fear in our enemies.

(02-03-2026 02:11 PM)shere khan Wrote:  We need to just conquer and subjugate these retards

The world would be a better, safer, more peaceful place if we did.

But unless you count Grenada, we haven’t been able to do that to anybody since 1945.

(02-03-2026 02:25 PM)Native Georgian Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:11 PM)shere khan Wrote:  We need to just conquer and subjugate these retards

The world would be a better, safer, more peaceful place if we did.

But unless you count Grenada, we haven’t been able to do that to anybody since 1945.

Muh feels and getting reelected is undefeated.

(02-03-2026 02:05 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:02 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

Usually, when a CSG moves into a potential battle situation, they cut off all but essential electronic communications. So I doubt personal emails in that Group would survive the cut, lol.

Okay but we're talking NFL emails here... :)

(02-03-2026 02:41 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:05 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:02 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

Usually, when a CSG moves into a potential battle situation, they cut off all but essential electronic communications. So I doubt personal emails in that Group would survive the cut, lol.

Okay but we're talking NFL emails here... :)

Fantasy football is serious business.

(02-03-2026 02:11 PM)shere khan Wrote:  Iranian Gunboats?



https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iranian...y-presence

Is this a joke?

They couldnt take Lake Ponchetrain on a tuesday afternoon.
We need tto just conquer and subjugate these retards

Pretty sure those are the much heralded "Fast Boats" Aunt Milly and absent Austin were so enamored with.

Didn't nick of time doofus Kerry get a couple Purple Hearts before he surrendered a couple of these after "getting lost"?

(02-03-2026 02:50 PM)GeminiCoog Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:41 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:05 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:02 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

Usually, when a CSG moves into a potential battle situation, they cut off all but essential electronic communications. So I doubt personal emails in that Group would survive the cut, lol.

Okay but we're talking NFL emails here... :)

Fantasy football is serious business.

Aaaand about to become taxed in the pending people's republic of Virginia. Califa coming to the Mother of Presidents.

Not kidding, taxing fantasy leagues is being proposed.

Good news is we've got the N.C. Sound front lot bought and paid for. We meet with the architect inna couple weeks.

(02-03-2026 02:11 PM)shere khan Wrote:  Iranian Gunboats?



https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iranian...y-presence

Is this a joke?

They couldnt take Lake Ponchetrain on a tuesday afternoon.
We need tto just conquer and subjugate these retards

Our concern should be drones. We are entering a new age of warfare. If they are stupidly radical enough, they could attack our carrier with a swarm of 500-600 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at one time just as their allie Russia does to Ukraine. I hope we are prepared for such attacks. Or we destroy their drones before they can launch. This possibility isn’t something to dismiss.

(02-03-2026 02:41 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:05 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:02 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  I have a friend who is a Navy Chaplain onboard the USS Abe Lincoln. They were in the South China Sea prior to being redirected to the Middle East.

We're in an NFL pick 'em league, and I think his access to his personal email has been cut off for a while. Loser of the league has to put up a framed picture in their office of George C Scott from the movie The Hustler for the following year. He was in last place for the majority of last season, but had a good Week 18 and narrowly avoided it.

I wonder if he's aware.

Usually, when a CSG moves into a potential battle situation, they cut off all but essential electronic communications. So I doubt personal emails in that Group would survive the cut, lol.

Okay but we're talking NFL emails here... :)

Well yeah, I bet that makes a difference.

(02-03-2026 03:43 PM)Was SoMs Eagle Wrote:  

(02-03-2026 02:11 PM)shere khan Wrote:  Iranian Gunboats?



https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iranian...y-presence

Is this a joke?

They couldnt take Lake Ponchetrain on a tuesday afternoon.
We need tto just conquer and subjugate these retards

Our concern should be drones. We are entering a new age of warfare. If they are stupidly radical enough, they could attack our carrier with a swarm of 500-600 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at one time just as their allie Russia does to Ukraine. I hope we are prepared for such attacks. Or we destroy their drones before they can launch. This possibility isn’t something to dismiss.

Our biggest enemy are the mindless prog filth drones