U.S. SENDS FRESH AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO MIDDLE EAST The U.S. is preparing to deploy the USS George Washington to the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln in a previously scheduled rotation. The Lincoln has spent 250+ days deployed and a record 200 days without a port call after supporting U.S. operations against Iran. Lawmakers have raised concerns over reported supply shortages, exhaustion, plumbing problems and deteriorating mental health among sailors.(*Walter Bloomberg)