Washington heads to Middle East for rotation, Lincoln crew exhausted and questioned by lawmakers

Odaily Planet Daily News: Informed U.S. officials say the United States is preparing to send the aircraft carrier USS Washington to the Middle East to replace the USS Lincoln, following a previously planned rotation schedule. The Lincoln has been on an extended deployment with very few port calls, raising concerns among members of Congress about living conditions on board. The Lincoln began its scheduled deployment in November last year and was redirected to the Middle East in January this year before the outbreak of war with Iran.

The carrier and its embarked aircraft played a key role in the U.S. "Epic Fury" bombing campaign and have since participated in the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. According to lawmakers, the high-intensity operational tempo and the strain of prolonged deployment have left the crew overwhelmed. They are pressuring the Pentagon to provide more information about living conditions and mental health issues on board. (The Wall Street Journal)