After 260 Days: The Drama Bringing the American Aircraft Carrier Home

The American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will return to the US after a deployment of more than 260 days, and will be replaced by the USS George Washington. Acting Navy Secretary Terence Emmert praised the crew's performance and defended service conditions, amid reports of spoiled food, mold in showers, and mental distress. Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation and requested a bipartisan delegation to visit the carrier.

The American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will return to the US after a deployment lasting more than 260 days, and will be replaced by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. This was stated by Acting Navy Secretary Terence Emmert in a lengthy statement published amid reports in the American media about harsh conditions on board, including supply difficulties, deterioration in the mental state of some crew members, spoiled food, and moldy showers. Emmert praised the crew's performance and said that the Nimitz-class carrier spent about 200 days in the combat zone, completed more than 10,000 sorties, and dropped about 1.5 million pounds of ordnance. He emphasized that retention rates are among the highest, and claimed that media outlets are trying to portray military personnel as 'victims,' which he says diverts attention from the enemy. However, Emmert confirmed that a 'small number' of mental health cases were treated, with no loss of life, and that food menus were adjusted during periods without fresh supplies, but no meal was canceled. He admitted that the ability to call home was restricted during times of high operational threat. The reports led Democratic lawmakers to demand an investigation and to allow a bipartisan delegation to visit the carrier, also amid reports of several crew members attempting to jump into the sea. Emmert concluded that the sailors and Marines were pushed 'to the edge' but not broken, and called for them to be given a heroes' welcome.