Movement And Not Alone · Liberty Politics Discussion

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Movement And Not Alone

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.

2. Naval Escalation (Non-Carrier)

Aside from the carriers, the "missile tubes" in the region are increasing:

Surface Combatants: The USS Mobile Bay (Cruiser) and the destroyers of DESRON 21 are escorting the Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS McFaul, USS Mitscher, and USS Roosevelt) are already on station in the CENTCOM area.
Submarine Activity: While typically classified, military analysts suggest at least one Ohio-class guided-missile submarine (SSGN), capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles, is likely positioning in the North Arabian Sea to provide "day one" strike capability.

3. Defensive Reinforcements

The Pentagon is prioritizing protecting existing bases from Iranian drone and missile retaliation:

EAGLS Counter-Drone System: As of yesterday (Jan 19), CENTCOM confirmed the operational deployment of the EAGLS (Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System). This system uses laser-guided rockets to intercept "one-way" attack drones at a lower cost than traditional missiles.
Air Defense Cells: A new Combined Air Defense Operations Cell was opened in Qatar last week to better integrate U.S. and Gulf partner radar data for early warning against ballistic missile launches.

4. Allied Movements

The U.S. is not moving alone: <-------

UK Royal Air Force: RAF Eurofighter Typhoons and Protector (MQ-9B) drones have been spotted over Jordan and Cyprus, likely providing additional reconnaissance.
Israel: The U.S. delivered three additional F-35I "Adir" fighters to Israel on January 18, bringing their total fleet to 48, specifically for "intelligence and suppression of enemy air defenses."

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