New aircraft carrier heads toward Mideast after reports of issues on long-deployed USS Lincoln

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pacific-based aircraft carrier USS George Washington has begun heading toward the Middle East as reports have emerged of mental health and supply issues aboard the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln has been supporting the U.S. war against Iran, and its deployment has included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 240 days. Several Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon for accountability over conditions aboard the carrier. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said those were “completely misrepresented.” The Navy acknowledges that the war has created an environment “where traditional supply hubs in the Middle East were disrupted by combat actions.”