U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln: A Dual Narrative of Military Operations and Environmental Impact

Recently, the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln conducted live fire exercises in the South China Sea, including tests of its Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. This operation is part of routine carrier strike group activities in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific," according to Rear Admiral Todd Whalen. The carrier strike group had previously arrived in Guam for a scheduled port visit before resuming operations in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area. The exercises, while framed as deterrence measures, raise concerns about their ecological impact on the already stressed marine environment of the South China Sea.

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China SeaU.S. Navy Moves Nuclear Nimitz-Class Supercarrier from China’s Backyard to Iran’s Backyard

The South China Sea is home to over 6,500 marine species and 570 reef-forming coral species, which are crucial for sustaining local fisheries that support approximately 3.7 million people. However, the region's ecosystem faces severe threats, including a 16% decline in coral cover per decade and fish stock losses of 70% to 95% since the 1950s. The ongoing global coral bleaching event exacerbates these issues, with extreme ocean heat affecting reefs worldwide. The military exercises, including the use of live ammunition, add another layer of stress to an already fragile ecosystem.

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea

Military activities contribute significantly to ocean noise pollution, which can disrupt marine mammals' communication and behavior. A 2025 study highlighted the rich cetacean biodiversity in the northern South China Sea, documenting encounters with over 1,000 individual whales and dolphins. The study warns that these species are already under pressure from fishing and shipping traffic, necessitating urgent conservation measures. The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources has attributed coral damage around Scarborough Shoal to military activities, including bomb dropping, alongside illegal fishing practices.

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China SeaU.S. Navy Moves Nuclear Nimitz-Class Supercarrier from China’s Backyard to Iran’s Backyard

The environmental impact of military operations extends beyond immediate ecological concerns. A study by the Conflict and Environment Observatory indicates that global military activities account for approximately 5.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, positioning them as a significant contributor to climate change. Even nuclear-powered vessels like the USS Abraham Lincoln rely on fossil fuels for their escort ships and aircraft, linking military exercises to rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching.

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea

In January 2026, the USS Abraham Lincoln was redeployed from the South China Sea to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) region amid rising tensions in Iran. This move reflects the U.S. Navy's strategic adjustments to address multiple global crises, including the need for a robust naval presence in critical waterways. The redeployment raises questions about the sustainability of the U.S. supercarrier fleet, which is already stretched thin across various theaters.

U.S. Navy Moves Nuclear Nimitz-Class Supercarrier from China’s Backyard to Iran’s BackyardA U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea

Critics argue that the U.S. Navy must incorporate environmental considerations into its operational planning. Suggestions include mapping marine mammal habitats to avoid disruptive activities and improving transparency regarding military emissions. As the South China Sea remains a focal point for geopolitical tensions, it also serves as a critical case study on the intersection of military operations and environmental stewardship.

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea

• “The science suggests it is also a living laboratory that shows what happens when an irreplaceable ecosystem absorbs layer after layer of human pressure.” — Environmental Analyst

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea

• “How much extra stress can these animals absorb?” — Marine Biologist

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea

This dual narrative underscores the complexities of military operations in ecologically sensitive areas, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both security and environmental sustainability.

A U.S. nuclear supercarrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) fires its Phalanx in the South China Sea