US Navy to Swap Aircraft Carriers in Middle East, USS George Washington to Replace USS Abraham Lincoln
The U.S. military is reportedly planning to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Middle East with the USS George Washington. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nearly nine months, primarily supporting US military operations against Iran, and has not had a port call since December. The USS George Washington, which has been operating in the South China Sea, is scheduled to take its place. This change comes amid growing concerns from family members of the USS Abraham Lincoln's crew regarding morale and mental health due to the prolonged deployment, food shortages, and other quality-of-life issues. Media reports have highlighted incidents of sailors attempting to jump overboard. However, Navy officials and U.S. Central Command have disputed these reports, stating they have not identified an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts and that the ship maintains high reenlistment rates. They also noted that a sailor who fell overboard in August was safely recovered. 
