US Navy Faces Criticism as USS George Washington Set to Replace Strained USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS George Washington is en route to the Middle East to take over from the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been plagued by reports of food shortages and poor living conditions during its extended nine-month deployment.

Concern for the mental health of sailors aboard the Lincoln has escalated, with family members revealing that some have contemplated jumping overboard due to the harsh environment. The Navy has acknowledged logistical issues but firmly denied claims of a mental health crisis affecting the 5,000 personnel onboard.

US President Donald Trump has dismissed worries from families about the welfare of their loved ones and affirmed that another ship would be replacing the Lincoln, although he did not specify which one. The USS George Washington, currently near Malaysia, is expected to arrive in the region in about nine days, based on tracking data.

Once in the Middle East, the George Washington will join the USS George HW Bush as the third aircraft carrier in the area, following the Lincoln’s lengthy deployment that began on December 11, 2022. Reports indicate that conditions on the Lincoln include broken plumbing, exhaustion, and inadequate provisions, with one sailor reportedly losing 65 pounds since setting sail.

Jefferson Kelly, whose son is aboard the Lincoln, voiced his concerns over the lengthy deployment, stating that such extended missions are unsustainable for aging ships. He expressed a willingness to intervene personally to bring his son home.

In response to the troubling reports, Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, have called for immediate attention to these issues, questioning the Navy's capacity to maintain its operational tempo amid rising concerns.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk