USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72): Preserving Freedom and Democracy in its "Shall Not Perish" Legacy

Introduction

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier serving as a symbol of American power and freedom since its commissioning in 1989. The carrier's motto, "Shall Not Perish," is inspired by President Abraham Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address, in which he declared that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Throughout its storied history, the USS Abraham Lincoln has been a shining example of this motto, participating in numerous missions that showcased American strength, resilience, and commitment to global security. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the USS Abraham Lincoln, focusing on the significance of its motto and the key events and deployments that have defined the carrier's legacy.

One of only two confirmed photos of Lincoln at Gettysburg taken about noon on November 19, 1863; Lincoln spoke some three hours later.

Commissioning and Early Years

The USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned on November 11, 1989, with Captain William B. Hayden at the helm. The carrier represented a new generation of naval power, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and designed to support a wide variety of missions. From the beginning, the carrier's motto, "Shall Not Perish," served as a guiding principle, reflecting the ship's commitment to upholding American values and preserving freedom around the world.

Operation Fiery Vigil: Providing Aid in Times of Crisis

In 1991, the USS Abraham Lincoln demonstrated the spirit of its motto during Operation Fiery Vigil, providing humanitarian assistance following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The carrier played a crucial role in the evacuation of thousands of military personnel and their families from Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Station, embodying the selfless commitment to help those in need and ensuring that the spirit of freedom would not perish in the face of disaster.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulls into San Diego Harbor.

Operation Desert Storm: Upholding the Motto in Combat

Although the USS Abraham Lincoln did not participate in combat during the Gulf War, it arrived in the Persian Gulf shortly after the cessation of hostilities in 1991. The carrier's presence in the region served as a reminder of American strength and the nation's commitment to global security, reflecting the "Shall Not Perish" motto. Throughout the 1990s, the USS Abraham Lincoln continued to support peacekeeping missions and enforce no-fly zones over Iraq, ensuring that the spirit of freedom and democracy would not perish in the face of aggression.

Global War on Terrorism: A New Era of Commitment

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, marked a new era for the USS Abraham Lincoln, as it became a vital asset in the Global War on Terrorism. The carrier was deployed to the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, launching thousands of sorties against Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan. The ship's steadfast commitment to the fight against terrorism reinforced the spirit of its motto, ensuring that the ideals of freedom and democracy would not perish in the face of extremism.

Humanitarian Missions: Upholding the Motto in Times of Need

Throughout its service, the USS Abraham Lincoln has continued to embody the "Shall Not Perish" motto by participating in numerous humanitarian missions. In 2005, the carrier provided vital aid and support to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, in 2010, the ship played a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Haiti following the devastating earthquake that struck the country. These missions showcased the USS Abraham Lincoln's unwavering commitment to helping those in need, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and the ideals of freedom would not perish in the face of adversity.

Modern Deployments: Continuing the Legacy

In recent years, the USS Abraham Lincoln has remained an active and essential component of the U.S. Navy, participating in numerous exercises and deployments around the world. In 2019, the carrier returned to the Arabian Sea as part of ongoing efforts to maintain stability and security in the region. The ship's continued commitment to global peace and security serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of its motto, "Shall Not Perish."

Abraham Lincoln carries out a high-speed turn during sea trials, May 2017

Conclusion

 The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 has been a shining example of American naval power, resilience, and commitment to global security for over three decades. The carrier's motto, "Shall Not Perish," serves as a guiding principle for the ship and its crew, reflecting their dedication to upholding American values and preserving freedom around the world. Through its many deployments and missions, the USS Abraham Lincoln has demonstrated time and again that the ideals of freedom, democracy, and compassion will not perish, but will continue to endure in the face of adversity and challenge. As the carrier continues to serve our nation, its legacy and motto will undoubtedly inspire future generations of sailors and citizens alike.