The carrier left California in November and later moved to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated
The United States Navy is reportedly preparing to move the USS Abraham Lincoln out of the Middle East after an unusually long deployment, with the USS George Washington set to take its place.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the change comes as concerns grow over life aboard the Lincoln. The carrier has spent more than 250 days deployed and gone about 200 days without a port visit.
Lawmakers have raised complaints about shortages of food and personal supplies, plumbing problems, and the strain on Navy officers.
Families have raised concerns about sailors’ mental health, while military outlets reported that some crew members had considered or attempted to go overboard.
One sailor reportedly went overboard earlier this month but was rescued and transferred for further care.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed back against criticism, saying reports about conditions on the ship have been exaggerated.
The carrier left California in November and later moved to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated. Its deployment, originally scheduled to end in May, has been extended repeatedly. About 5,000 people remain aboard the ship.
The replacement will keep US naval power in the region but could temporarily reduce the Navy’s presence in the Pacific, where China is expanding its influence.