U.S. Media: "Lincoln" Aircraft Carrier Reports Sailor Jumping Overboard, U.S. Military Urgently Changes Defense

【Global Times Report by Reporter Zhang Wang】The U.S. aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" has been deployed for over 250 days, causing immense living and mental stress for the personnel on board, with reports of multiple incidents of "sailors attempting to jump overboard to commit suicide." According to an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal on the 13th, the U.S. is preparing to send the "George Washington" aircraft carrier to replace the "Lincoln."

The Wall Street Journal stated that a U.S. official confirmed on the 13th that someone fell overboard from the carrier in early August but was quickly rescued. CNN had previously reported incidents of personnel falling overboard from the ship. As the "Lincoln" enters its ninth month of deployment, several U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over reports of poor living conditions aboard the carrier. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated to the media on the 13th that the various concerns about the "Lincoln" have been "completely distorted." He said, "We ensure that every ship, every crew member, and every captain has access to everything we can provide at all times."

The report also mentioned that the "George Washington," homeported in Japan, has been operating in the South China Sea in recent weeks and recently completed a port call in Vietnam. On the 13th of this month, the carrier entered the Strait of Malacca after passing through the Singapore Strait, accompanied by a cruiser and a destroyer.

According to the Associated Press, this rotation will result in a period of unknown duration without the presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Pacific region. The Wall Street Journal quoted analysts as saying that the deployment of the "George Washington" to the Middle East will create a short-term power vacuum in the Pacific. This carrier rotation has also raised concerns about the U.S. Navy's global emergency response capabilities and long-term operational sustainment.

The "Lincoln" aircraft carrier carries about 5,000 sailors and Marines and is currently supporting U.S. military operations against Iran in the Middle East. However, the carrier has not docked for approximately 200 days. U.S. media reports indicate that sailors aboard are facing difficult conditions, including food shortages and a lack of daily necessities such as toothpaste and soap.