U.S. military's three-carrier display in the Middle East lasted only a few days
The U.S. military's three-carrier presence in the Middle East was indeed just a show of force.
On the 29th, according to multiple U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, the USS "Ford" is about to begin its return journey to the United States.
With the departure of the "Ford," the U.S. Navy's carrier strength currently stationed in the Middle East will be reduced to two carriers—the "Lincoln" and the "Bush"—plus a "Tripoli"-class amphibious ready group.
This effectively means that the U.S. carrier deployment in the Middle East has reverted back to the dual-carrier status prior to the arrival of the "Bush." The previously high-profile "three-carrier deployment" by the U.S. appears more like a military spectacle than a sustained high-intensity posture.
To date, the "Ford’s" sea deployment has exceeded 300 days, breaking the record for the longest single deployment by a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. However, during this record-breaking deployment period, the "Ford" has been embroiled in multiple scandals: In March this year, a fire broke out in the carrier’s laundry facility, reportedly set intentionally by U.S. service members who could no longer endure the extreme length of deployment.
After the "Ford" returns, the next carrier likely to withdraw from combat operations may be the "Lincoln," whose deployment has already surpassed five months—approaching the conventional limit for a single U.S. carrier deployment. Unlike the "Ford," which became increasingly lax toward the end, the "Lincoln" has maintained full-scale operational intensity, participating consistently in bombing missions against Iranian targets and enforcing blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Its air wing has conducted frequent sorties, resulting in heavy combat load and urgent maintenance requirements. Crew fatigue has become visibly apparent.
Meanwhile, due to the blockade of supply ships in the Persian Gulf, U.S. media outlets have repeatedly reported that the "Lincoln" and its task group are facing a "food shortage" crisis—sailors onboard are suffering from inadequate rations and cannot get enough food. Under the combined pressure of crew exhaustion and poor logistics, the "Lincoln" is likely to be the next carrier needing rotation out of combat duty.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863869819685888/
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