The USS Washington arrives in the Middle East to take over from the USS Lincoln

(Central News Agency reporter Hou Ziying, Washington, 20th) After the long-term deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln caused concern from the outside world, US media reported today that the USS Washington has arrived in the Middle East and is preparing to take over the USS Abraham Lincoln. This transfer leaves the United States without any aircraft carriers currently deployed in the Pacific.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on the social media platform

CNN reported that the USS Washington will replace the USS Lincoln. Due to the protracted war in Iran, the Lincoln has been on extended deployment. News that the mental health of the officers and soldiers on the ship has deteriorated has aroused concern among members of Congress and military families.

Three U.S. officials told CNN that an officer and sailor fell overboard on the USS Lincoln earlier this month, exacerbating concerns about the ship's deteriorating living conditions and the mental health of its officers and soldiers during its record-breaking deployment.

The Lincoln has been deployed at sea for more than 250 days and has not been in port for more than 200 days. The Washington Post reported that there were reports of shortages of fresh food on the ship, multiple water pipe damage, and frustration among officers and sailors over an extended deployment with no clear end date.

Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, said after boarding the Lincoln for an inspection last week that the mental health of the officers and soldiers on the ship is a "top priority."

A U.S. official told CNN last week that the USS Washington strike group departed for the Middle East immediately after completing its port visit in Vietnam on August 5. This rotation had been planned beforehand.

CNN pointed out that this rotation arrangement has resulted in the United States temporarily not deploying any aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

The Associated Press previously reported that if the United States deploys another aircraft carrier to the Pacific in the next month or two, the "window period" there will not be too long. However, experts pointed out that this shows that fighting Iran has exhausted some US Navy officers and soldiers, and also highlights that the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the Asia-Pacific and shifts its focus to the Western Hemisphere.