'Ghost Targets': How the USS Abraham Lincoln creates fake ships on enemy radar

The USS Abraham Lincoln can effectively vanish at night by shutting down all external lights and enforcing strict emission control. This "Ghost Mode" makes the massive vessel nearly invisible to visual and infrared detection in hostile waters.

The Navy uses "Ghost Targets" like the Mk 59 decoy system, which are inflatable reflectors that mimic a large ship's radar signature. These floating decoys trick enemy radar into "seeing" multiple ships, making it difficult to identify the real carrier.

A specialized haze grey coating is applied to the ship’s hull to reduce its visual contrast against the horizon. This, combined with minimal red lighting inside the ship, helps the carrier blend seamlessly into the ocean during night operations.

The carrier uses electronic warfare systems to act as a protective shield by jamming incoming threats. It can detect enemy radar signals and transmit deceptive "ghost" data to lead anti-ship missiles away from the carrier.

The ship relies on centuries-old light signalling technology, like powerful Aldis lamps, to communicate secretly during radio silence. This prevents enemy forces from tracking the carrier's location through its electronic emissions.

The E-2D Hawkeye aircraft acts as the carrier’s "eyes in the sky," detecting threats from hundreds of kilometres away. This advanced warning system allows the Lincoln to activate its decoy "ghost" targets before an enemy can lock on.

In high-risk regions like the Arabian Sea, these tactics are supported by interceptors like ESSM and RAM launchers. By saturating enemy sensors with fake data and physical decoys, the Navy ensures the carrier remains protected from swarm attacks.