US aircraft carrier transits through Strait of Hormuz

An American aircraft carrier has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf for the first time without any incident since Iran threatened to close the strategic shipping route.

"USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) completed a regular and routine transit of the Strait of Hormuz, January 22, to conduct maritime security operations as scheduled and in support of requirements set by the combatant commander," the US Naval Central Command said in a statement.

The US Navy said the passage of the vessel was "routine" and had been completed without incident.

This is for the first time that an American aircraft carrier transited through the strategic shipping route after the recent threat from Iran that it could close the strait if increased Western sanctions halt Iranian oil exports.

"The transit was completed as previously scheduled and without incident," it said.
Abraham Lincoln comprises of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).