Trump Confirms Replacement of the "Lincoln" Aircraft Carrier Deployed in the Middle East

On August 14, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Yan Liang) that U.S. President Trump confirmed that the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has faced scrutiny over onboard living conditions and crew mental health due to its long deployment in the Middle East, will be replaced.

Trump told the media at Andrews Joint Base in Maryland that the USS Lincoln is "on its way or about to" depart and will be "replaced by another very similar ship." U.S. media reported on the 13th that the U.S. is preparing to send the USS George Washington to the Middle East to take over from the USS Lincoln.

When asked about the increasing concerns of military families regarding the safety of the crew, Trump stated, "No, they are not." He also mentioned that the deployment time of the USS Lincoln, which has been deployed for nearly nine months, is "far from enough."

According to U.S. media reports, the USS Lincoln began its planned deployment last November and was moved to the Middle East in January of this year, participating in the U.S. military's "Epic Fury" operation against Iran and the maritime blockade of Iran.

Recently, it was reported that sailors on the carrier are facing living conditions and mental health issues due to the high-intensity operational tempo and long deployment, with several individuals reportedly experiencing mental breakdowns and attempting to jump overboard. The U.S. Central Command confirmed in a statement on the 13th that a sailor from the USS Lincoln fell overboard on the 3rd and has been rescued.