USS Lincoln sails past Singapore after 9-month deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a large U.S. aircraft carrier, recently passed Singapore on its way home following a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. The ship is expected to dock in Thailand for a few days before returning to its base in the United States. The carrier was spotted by Associated Press journalists on Batam Island, situated across the Singapore Strait.

The USS Lincoln had been supporting the U.S. war against Iran and had been at sea for over 250 consecutive days, setting a record for uninterrupted time at sea. Concerns have arisen about the crew's mental health and supply shortages, including food and hygiene products.

Thai officials have announced that the USS Lincoln will take a break and recover in Thailand before heading back to the U.S. The ship, along with approximately 5,000 crew members, departed from San Diego on November 21. The ongoing war with Iran, which started in February, has added to the crew's workload and duration of the mission.

While the U.S. Central Command has stated that reports of heightened suicidal thoughts among the crew were false, and there have been no deaths aboard the vessel, an incident involving a sailor falling overboard remains under investigation. The circumstances surrounding the event are currently being looked into by the Navy.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously denied that issues on the aircraft carrier had been misrepresented in the media. The crew's family members have expressed worries about the deteriorating sanitary and mental health conditions, as well as potential food shortages. Jefferson Kelley, whose son is serving on the Lincoln for his first deployment, has stated that he would travel to the ship if it meant bringing his son home.

Kelley emphasized that these are aging ships that require significant maintenance and around-the-clock care, highlighting the strain of the prolonged deployment.