Date: February 24, 2026
Supplement to: cw2.xyz / Global Defense Pulse
The tactical landscape of the Middle East has shifted dramatically in the last 72 hours. With the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) arriving at Souda Bay, Crete, and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) already on station in the Arabian Sea, the U.S. Navy has effectively bracketed the Iranian theater with the most concentrated naval strike power seen in decades.
This supplement breaks down the offensive “mix” of these two air wings—collectively representing roughly 120–145 combat-coded fixed-wing aircraft capable of high-intensity strike operations.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
Air Wing: Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9)
Location: Arabian Sea / Gulf of Oman
Operational Status: High Alert (Iran Deterrence)
The Lincoln represents the “High-Low” tactical mix of the 2020s. Its offensive core is defined by the integration of 5th-generation stealth with 4.5-generation mass.
- The Stealth Spearhead: Notably includes VMFA-314 “Black Knights” flying the F-35C Lightning II. This provides the strike group with “Day 1” penetration capabilities, allowing for the suppression of advanced Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) without the need for massive escort packages.
- The Strike Backbone: Multiple squadrons of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets provide the bulk of the “ordnance on target” capacity. These aircraft serve as the primary missile trucks and close-air support platforms once the F-35Cs have cleared the airspace.
- Sortie Tempo: As a Nimitz-class carrier, the Lincoln is capable of sustaining 120+ sorties per day during surged operations.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
Air Wing: Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8)
Location: Souda Bay, Crete (En Route to Eastern Med/Suez)
Operational Status: Surging to Region
The Ford is the Navy’s “force multiplier,” designed to generate combat power at a rate that traditional carriers cannot match. - Primary Striker: CVW-8 is currently centered on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (VFA-31, 37, 87, and 213). While the Lincoln carries the 5th-gen stealth of VMFA-314, the Ford leverages its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to cycle these Super Hornets into the air with 25-30% higher efficiency.
- Electronic Dominance: Armed with EA-18G Growlers (VAQ-142), the Ford’s air wing is specialized in wide-spectrum jamming to blind littoral defenses.
- Sortie Tempo: The Ford-class design supports a Sortie Generation Rate (SGR) of up to 160 per day, effectively giving CVW-8 the combat output of 1.5 standard air wings.
Comparative Force Composition
Feature USS Abraham Lincoln (CVW-9) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVW-8)
Offensive Fighters 60–70 (F/A-18E/F & F-35C) 60–75 (F/A-18E/F)
Key 5th Gen Unit VMFA-314 “Black Knights” N/A (Standardized Super Hornet Wing)
Sustained Sorties ~120 per day ~160 per day
Electronic Attack EA-18G Growlers EA-18G Growlers
Design Advantage Proven Nimitz durability EMALS / High-flow flight deck
Strategic Analysis: The 140-Aircraft Threshold
By late February 2026, the combined total of 120–145 offensive aircraft across these two decks provides Central Command (CENTCOM) with a unique capability: The Persistent Strike. Rotational Lethality: While one carrier conducts “recovery and maintenance” cycles, the other can maintain a “Combat Air Patrol” (CAP) or “Ready Five” strike posture. Saturation: In a “Day 1” scenario, the 140+ aircraft allow for a saturation of Iranian airspace that can overwhelm coastal defense cruise missile (CDCM) sites and drone launch facilities simultaneously. Deterrence Momentum: The arrival of the Ford at Crete signals to Tehran that the U.S. is not merely “parked” in the region, but is actively positioning for a sustained, multi-carrier campaign. Note: These figures exclude the 30+ rotary-wing (MH-60R/S) and support assets (E-2D Hawkeyes) that provide the “eyes and ears” for these 140+ shooters.Would you like me to analyze the specific standoff munitions (like the AGM-158C LRASM) currently stocked on these carriers for potential maritime strikes?
