Two US aircraft carriers deployed in the Mediterranean Sea.

For the first time since 2016, the United States is deploying two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, the USS John C. Stennis and the USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Mediterranean Sea. Each one forming its own Carrier Strike Group.

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group conduct operations in the Mediterranean Sea (Picture Source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Grant G. Grady)

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 are conducting dual carrier operations, providing an opportunity for two strike groups to work together alongside key allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

As part of the dual carrier operations are the Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Mendez Nunez (F 104), the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the French Marine Nationale frigate FS Languedoc (D 653), the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), the British Royal Navy defense destroyer HMS Duncan (D 37) and the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).

Together, the strike groups will complete high-end warfighting training, enhancing interoperability with key allies and partners in the European theatre. This is the main purpose of these dual carrier operations, but this is not a coïncidence if such operations are held in times when the Russian Navy, and even the Chinese one, operate more and more in this region.

This operation reminds Russia that the United States is ready to operate along with its European allies. "We're not going to be deterred by any potential adversary and we are going to support our interests as Americans and also those of our allies as we steam throughout the world," said Adm. James Foggo, the commander of US Naval Forces in Europe and Africa, standing on the bridge of the Abraham Lincoln.

As Russia significantly increases its presence in countries where it has diplomatic conflicts with the United States (such as in Syria, for example), it is necessary for the US and its European allies to reinforce their presence in the area to rebalance the power.