US Sends New Carrier to Replace USS Lincoln
The United States is moving the USS George Washington aircraft carrier toward the Middle East to replace the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln, as concerns grow over crew fatigue, supply problems and reported mental health incidents aboard the Lincoln. US officials say the rotation was previously planned.
USS George Washington Heads to Middle East
The USS George Washington has begun moving from the Indo-Pacific toward the Middle East, where it is expected to take over from the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The Lincoln has been supporting US military operations linked to the conflict with Iran and has spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea, far beyond the length of a typical deployment.
Its replacement will allow the Lincoln and its crew to return from an unusually prolonged mission.
USS Lincoln Crew Conditions Raise Concerns
Reports from military-focused publications and families of sailors have alleged declining morale, supply shortages, sanitation problems and serious mental health concerns aboard the carrier.
Some reports have included claims of suicide attempts involving sailors trying to go overboard. The US Navy has not publicly confirmed an increase in suicide attempts aboard the ship.
Several Democratic lawmakers have called for greater transparency and investigations into the conditions faced by the Lincoln’s roughly 5,000 personnel.
Pentagon Disputes Reports of Crisis
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected characterisations of conditions aboard the Lincoln as a severe crisis, saying reports had been “completely misrepresented”.
He acknowledged that some deployments last longer during wartime but maintained that the Navy continues to provide crews with necessary support.
The carrier rotation comes as continued US military commitments in the Middle East place additional pressure on naval personnel, equipment and deployment schedules.
