The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is nearing the end of an extended deployment in the Middle East, with reports emerging about the conditions onboard. The warship was originally scheduled to return in May but has remained at sea for approximately 250 days.
BBC Verify has tracked the USS Lincoln's movements using satellite imagery, documenting what is described as one of the longest deployments for a U.S. warship. The vessel's last known docking was in December of the previous year. The extended mission comes amid heightened tensions in the region, notably involving Iran.
The U.S. Navy has stated that the aircraft carrier will soon be brought home. Further details regarding the specific conditions or the Navy's response to the concerns have not been elaborated upon in the provided notes.