US sends USS George Washington to Middle East amid USS Lincoln crew-welfare concerns
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Washington: The United States will deploy the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for more than eight months amid mounting worries over crew well-being.
The Lincoln remained at sea for more than 250 days, with reports noting food and basic supply shortages, plumbing issues, and decreasing morale among its about 5,000 crew members. Lawmakers have called for an investigation into the conditions on board the vessel.
Reports have also raised questions about sailors' mental health, including reported attempts to jump overboard. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed accusations of a larger crisis, describing tales of dismal conditions as ‘completely misrepresented,’ but accepting the necessity to rotate the staff.
The George Washington is currently on its way to the region, with the scheduled rotation emphasising the mounting strain on US naval resources due to extended deployments related to the conflict with Iran.
Photo Credit: @YWNReporter
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