Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters during a visit to Air Force and Army units in Washington State that he has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to help cover operations in Afghanistan, where anti-Afghan government attacks have increased, particularly along the Pakistan border. The Lincoln has been supporting coalition action in Iraq, working from the Persian Gulf and is now to operate from the Gulf of Oman, where it will be closer to Afghanistan. US and NATO commanders in Afghanistan have been asking for more air and ground support.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft designs from Anduril and General Atomics passed their Critical Design Reviews early in November, clearing the way for detailed production efforts to get underway, the Air Force said. How future versions will be upgraded is still under discussion.