Based on current reports for today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, there is significant activity regarding U.S. aircraft carriers operating with their transponders off or in "stealth" modes. Current Carrier Status & Transponder Activity - USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72): The Lincoln Strike Group is currently the most active. After leaving the South China Sea, it was tracked entering the Strait of Malacca late Sunday. As of today, reports indicate it has likely disabled its public AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders to maintain operational security while transiting toward the Middle East (CENTCOM area). - USS Nimitz (CVN-68): There have been specific reports that the Nimitz also ceased transmitting location data to maintain route secrecy while heading toward the Persian Gulf. - FAA Warnings: The FAA recently issued a 60-day flight caution (effective Jan 16 – March 17, 2026) for the Eastern Pacific and Latin America. This advisory explicitly warns civilian pilots that military aircraft and vessels in these regions may be operating without active transponders, significantly reducing situational awareness for civilian air traffic. - Recent Context - This activity follows a reported military buildup in the Middle East, including the redeployment of F-15E Strike Eagles from the UK to Jordan and the movement of heavy strategic bombers to Diego Garcia. The disabling of transponders is a clear indicator of a transition from "routine transit" to "combat-ready" status. - As of today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, there is a significant surge in airpower, missile defense, and logistical support moving into the theater. 1. Major Airpower Surge While the carriers provide mobile airbases, land-based aircraft are moving to forward positions to decrease response times: - F-15E Strike Eagles: At least 35 F-15E Strike Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing (RAF Lakenheath, UK) have arrived at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. These aircraft are equipped with the new EPAWSS electronic warfare suite, designed to penetrate advanced air defenses. - Aerial Refueling Bridge: A "massive" relocation of KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasuses is underway. This creates a "gasoline alley" over the Mediterranean and Red Sea, allowing long-range bombers (like B-52s or B-2s) to strike from the U.S. or Diego Garcia without landing. - Cargo & Logistics: Open-source flight trackers have identified over a dozen C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy transport flights heading into Qatar (Al Udeid) and Jordan over the last 48 hours, likely carrying munitions and ground support equipment.

I just caught the end of Armin’s discussion with a major in the live stream on chemical weapons. I thought I’d post some pertinent definitions contained in the convention because it can be confusing. A “chemical weapon” can be anything from pepper spray many women carry in their purses to sarin gas, it depends on when and how it is used. Here is a link to the convention: https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/CWC/CWC_en.pdf