US Navy carrier strike groups assembled around aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis and USS Abraham Lincoln CSG got together in the Mediterranean Sea for joint operations in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.

This is the first time that two carriers have operated in the Mediterranean at the same time since the summer of 2016, when the Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman CSGs were deployed to the region simultaneously.

“It’s a rare opportunity to train with two carrier strike groups together,” Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of US 6th Fleet, said. “Dual carrier operations here in the Mediterranean showcase the inherent flexibility and scalability maritime forces provide to the joint force, while demonstrating our ironclad commitment to the stability and security of the region.”

USS John C. Stennis arrived in the Mediterranean Sea after transiting the Suez Canal on April 20. USS Abraham Lincoln returned to sea after stopping in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on April 15, for its first port visit in seven years.

During their deployments, the CSGs will work with a number of regional allies and partners at sea.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) deployed from Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Oct. 15, 2018, while USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) deployed from Naval Station Norfolk, April 1, 2019. The carriers are in the midst of a homeport shift, with Stennis eventually heading to Norfolk and Lincoln heading to San Diego.