New Video Shows USS Abraham Lincoln Jets Striking Iran Day and Night

Footage captures F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs launching and landing on the San Diego-based aircraft carrier.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Central Command has released new video showing jets from the USS Abraham Lincoln, a San Diego-based aircraft carrier, launching sorties against Iran both day and night as part of Operation Epic Fury. The footage recorded on March 12 captures F/A-18 Super Hornet attack jets and F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters taking off and landing on the carrier.

Why it matters

The USS Abraham Lincoln's operations in the northern Arabian Sea are a key part of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. This video provides visual evidence of the carrier's combat readiness and ability to sustain around-the-clock air operations, countering Iran's claims of successful attacks on the vessel.

The details

The video shows the F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs launching and landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln without any visible damage to the carrier. This contradicts Iran's claims of successful attacks. The Institute for the Study of War has also published a report stating that the 'trajectory is relatively positive' for the U.S. and Israel in the war, as the U.S. is 'steadily destroying Iran's ability to use its most essential tool in the war — drone and missile attacks'.

  • The video was recorded on March 12, 2026.
  • Operation Epic Fury, which the USS Abraham Lincoln is supporting, has been ongoing for three weeks.

The players

USS Abraham Lincoln

A San Diego-based aircraft carrier operated by the U.S. Navy and currently involved in operations against Iran.

Central Command

The U.S. military's regional command responsible for operations in the Middle East, including the conflict with Iran.

Institute for the Study of War

A Washington, D.C.-based think tank that has published a report on the trajectory of the U.S. and Israel in the conflict with Iran.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This video showcases the USS Abraham Lincoln's combat readiness and ability to sustain air operations against Iran, countering the country's claims of successful attacks and highlighting the U.S. military's efforts to degrade Iran's drone and missile capabilities, which are central to its strategy.