U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet warplanes launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) during operations in the Middle East this spring.
These deployments signal a reinforced U.S. presence in a volatile region, emphasizing power projection and combat readiness amid heightened tensions. The carrier's flight deck serves as a primary hub for surveillance and deterrence missions aimed at maintaining regional stability.
One specific engagement occurred on May 6, 2026 [1], when a jet launched from the carrier targeted an Iranian tanker in the Persian Gulf. The operation was conducted to enforce a blockade against the vessel, which was perceived as attempting to evade the restriction.
"A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fired several rounds from its 20mm cannon to disable the rudder of the M/T Hasna," U.S. Central Command said [1].
The use of the 20mm cannon was a tactical decision to neutralize the ship's steering capabilities without sinking the vessel. This action follows a broader pattern of U.S. naval activity in the region during the spring of 2026, focused on monitoring maritime traffic and deterring provocative maneuvers.
Flight operations from the USS Abraham Lincoln include a mix of routine patrols and high-stakes intercepts. These missions are designed to project strength and ensure that international maritime laws, and blockades, are respected by regional actors.
The U.S. Navy continues to utilize the Super Hornet for its versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles. By maintaining a constant rotation of aircraft in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. aims to prevent the escalation of conflict while asserting control over critical shipping lanes.
“"A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fired several rounds from its 20mm cannon to disable the rudder of the M/T Hasna."”
The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and the targeted strike on the M/T Hasna demonstrate a shift toward more aggressive enforcement of maritime blockades. By disabling a vessel's rudder rather than destroying the ship, the U.S. is employing a calibrated use of force to signal resolve without triggering a full-scale naval war with Iran.
