Relief for USS Abraham Lincoln after a record 250 days at sea

• USS George Washington aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East to relieve USS Abraham Lincoln following a record-setting deployment of more than 250 continuous days at sea.
• The relief follows reports of severe crew strain, mental health struggles, and basic supply shortages aboard the Lincoln during its extended tour supporting operations against Iran.
• President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed reports of poor conditions, with Hegseth claiming issues aboard the Lincoln were “misrepresented”.
• U.S. Central Command confirmed the Washington's arrival and announced the Lincoln crew would head home, though the U.S. continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
• The transfer leaves the Asia-Pacific region temporarily without an American carrier strike group amid rising tensions with China.

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USS Lincoln’s replacement arrives in Middle East after worries over troops’ mental health