USS Abraham Lincoln begins return to United States from Middle East after deployment

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has begun its voyage back to the United States after completing its deployment in the Middle East, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The vessel remains within the U.S. Fifth Fleet's area of operations and has not yet departed CENTCOM's broader area of responsibility. CENTCOM confirmed that the USS George Washington arrived in the region on Wednesday and has taken over the Abraham Lincoln's role. A source cited by CNN said the rotation between the two carriers had been planned before recent reports involving the crew. During its extended deployment, the Abraham Lincoln faced reports of supply shortages, medical issues and declining morale among personnel, which the U.S. military denied. President Donald Trump had previously announced that the Lincoln would return soon and be substituted by another carrier. No further details on the carrier's arrival in the United States were immediately available.