(CNN) With Russia increasingly deploying forces on NATO's doorstep, the United States has started its own show of force 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, showing Moscow that the United States will not in any way back down in this important geopolitical area.

"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.

CNN was given exclusive access to the carrier operations, which serve to improve coordination between two carrier strike groups that consist of several ships and up to 120 aircraft each.

A typical carrier strike group includes an aircraft carrier, a guided-missile cruiser, two guided-missile destroyers, an attack submarine and a supply ship for logistical support.

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