The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN72 is finally back underway with a four day sea trial after finishing a major overhaul at the Newport News Shipyards. This marks the first time in over four years the ship has been out in open waters.

The sea trials are planned to test many of the ship’s systems as well as conduct training exercises and qualifications to make sure it is ready to rejoin the Fleet.

“We are looking forward to taking the ship out on the open water where we belong,” said Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, Lincoln’s executive officer. “I am honored to serve with our crew. This dedicated and impressive group put an incredible amount of work into revitalizing this ship. We are grateful for their efforts and to our partners at Newport News Shipbuilding, and eagerly anticipate completing successful sea trials and returning to the fleet ready for tasking later this year.”

“Our team has worked hard to get USS Abraham Lincoln ready to redeliver to the fleet,” said Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for Aircraft Carriers. “She has undergone significant combat systems modernization and will also be the first CVN capable of accommodating the F-35C Lightning II. This RCOH enabled the ship to meet future missions and continued service life requirements for many years to come.” – Defense Video Imagery 

Over 2.5 million man-hours went into overhauling, modernizing and upgrading the massive ship.

Interesting that this will be the first Navy aircraft carrier that will utilize the F-35C stealth fighter.

Featured image of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departing Newport News Shipbuilding for sea trials by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Herbst, US Navy