US Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, confirmed on 21/4 that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is participating in an operation to blockade Iranian seaports. The USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed in 11/2025, meaning the US warship has been operating continuously at sea for nearly six months.

News channel Wion reported that a key advantage of the USS Abraham Lincoln, as well as Nimitz and Ford-class nuclear aircraft carriers, during long deployments at sea is their independence from port calls for fresh water resupply.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Middle East in March. *US Navy*

According to the US Navy, the desalination process, which converts seawater into fresh water, plays a crucial role in supporting operational missions and meeting the daily needs of thousands of personnel.

"We have 4 distillation units that convert seawater into potable water, with a total output of approximately 1.5 million liters of fresh water daily", Joel Cogan, a water system technician on the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2017, said.

The four desalination systems on the ship employ the principle of flash evaporation. Enormous heat from the two A4W nuclear reactors is used to heat seawater, which is then introduced into a vacuum environment and immediately vaporizes. The steam then moves to a condensation area, becoming pure fresh water.

"This water is also treated with chlorine to ensure safety. The water is collected in storage tanks and distributed throughout the ship by pumps", Daniel Sanchez, an officer from the nuclear reactor management department, said.

Distilled water is highly pure and has a very bland taste, so ship technicians must add minerals in appropriate proportions to make it more palatable for the crew. This also helps replenish electrolytes for personnel, especially when operating in hot weather and sweating heavily.

Fresh water from the desalination system is not only used for drinking but is divided into three types: First, "feed water" for the nuclear reactors, which requires very high purity. Next is water used for drinking, bathing, and laundry. Finally, "wash water" is specifically used to rinse off the corrosive salt layer that often accumulates on fighter jets and equipment operating at sea for extended periods.

Sailors drinking water on the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier in 2017. *US Navy*

The desalination process is not included in the standard machinist training program, so aircraft carrier sailors must study and obtain the necessary certifications before being authorized to operate these systems.

"It takes about two years to advance to a higher rank and an additional 4 years before qualifying as a water system watchstander. Once certified, we still undergo 4 hours of training each week to update our knowledge on reactors", Cogan said.

Personnel assigned to this duty must meticulously control water usage down to every drop. "We are responsible for distributing water, checking for any losses, and ensuring there is no waste", Cogan said.

Should the ship's desalination capacity decline and fail to meet demand, the crew's fresh water usage will be restricted.

Based on technician recommendations, the commanding officer will decide when to implement timed water rationing. The crew must also use disposable paper plates and plastic cutlery to minimize water consumption for washing. Essential tasks, such as aircraft cleaning, are not affected by these restrictions.

The ability to produce large quantities of fresh water also positions nuclear aircraft carriers like the USS Abraham Lincoln as premier humanitarian aid assets. During disaster relief missions, they can anchor offshore and pump thousands of liters of water to areas affected by power and water outages.

Lincoln aircraft carrier sailors pouring water into barrels to prepare to assist Hurricane Irma victims in 2017. *US Navy*

The USS Abraham Lincoln is the 5th Nimitz-class supercarrier in the US fleet, commissioned in 1989. The ship is 333 m long, 76 m wide, and has a displacement of over 100,000 tons.

While on duty in the Middle East, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier carries a range of aircraft, including F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18E/F fighter jets, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D early warning aircraft, CMV-22B tiltrotor aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

Pham Giang (According to Wion, USNI, Al Jazeera)