190508-N-MM912-1047 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 8, 2019) The �lvaro de Baz�n-class frigate ESPS M�ndez N��ez (F 104) prepares to conduct a replenishment-at-sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) in support of maritime security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th, U.S. 6th and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operation. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12), Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7); as well as M�ndez N��ez. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Singley/Released)