Carrier Battles the Internet: Connectivity Upgrade, Combat Power Multiplied

During its Red Sea deployment, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) used commercial satellite networks like Starlink and OneWeb to achieve unprecedented internet connectivity onboard. This significantly boosted F-35 fighter jet capabilities by enabling rapid intelligence data updates and design improvements, enhancing survivability and lethality. Beyond combat, it improved sailor quality of life, training efficiency, maintenance speed, and boosted morale. The initiative, Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore (SEA2), is now a funded Navy program of record called Flank Speed Wireless, aiming to deliver high-speed, reliable global connectivity across the fleet.