After more than 250 days in the Middle East: aircraft carrier 'Lincoln' leaves

The American aircraft carrier 'Abraham Lincoln' has begun its return home after a deployment of about nine months in the Middle East, as part of the war against Iran. The aircraft carrier 'George Washington' will replace it. The prolonged deployment raised concerns among American lawmakers regarding the service conditions of approximately 5,000 crew members.

The American aircraft carrier 'Abraham Lincoln' (CVN-72) began its return home to San Diego, California, yesterday (Thursday), after a prolonged deployment of about nine months in the Middle East. On board are approximately 5,000 crew members. The aircraft carrier 'George Washington', based in Japan, will replace it in the region. An American official confirmed the ship's departure to the New York Times, which was hinted at by Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command. The prolonged deployment, as part of the war against Iran, raised concerns among American lawmakers regarding the service conditions of the crew. On the other hand, senior Navy and Pentagon officials rejected some of the claims and emphasized that basic needs are being met. President Donald Trump also dismissed the criticism and said the deployment 'was not long enough'.