Deployment included reports of crew mental health and supply shortages
The USS Abraham Lincoln, one of the U.S. Navy’s largest warships, sailed past Singapore early Sunday as it headed home after a deployment to the Middle East in support of the U.S. war against Iran.
Associated Press journalists on the Indonesian island of Batam, across the Singapore Strait from Singapore, spotted the carrier as it transited waters near Singapore just after 1 a.m. local time.
The deployment included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 250 days. Concerns have grown about the lengthy assignment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies, including food and hygiene products.
Thai officials have said the Lincoln will stop in Thailand for rest and recovery before returning to its U.S. base.
The carrier’s transit past Singapore came as it began the voyage home after months supporting the U.S. war against Iran. The Thailand stop is intended as a rest and recovery period before the carrier resumes its journey to its U.S. base.