USS Abraham Lincoln sails past Singapore on way home after gruelling Middle East deployment

USS Abraham Lincoln has been at centre of controversy over its prolonged deployment and is now headed home US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln sailed past Singapore early Sunday as it headed home after an extended deployment in the Middle East, with the warship expected to make a port visit in Thailand for rest and recovery.Indonesia’s Batam island, across the Singapore Strait, spotted the massive carrier transiting waters near Singapore shortly after 1 am local tim, as reported by AP.The Lincoln, one of the US Navy’s largest warships, had spent months supporting American combat operations in the Middle East war against Iran. Its deployment lasted more than 250 days, including more than 200 days without a port call; a period described as a modern-day record.However, the prolonged deployment has drawn scrutiny over conditions aboard the carrier, which has about 5,000 sailors and Marines. Military outlets and other reports have cited declining morale, mental-health concerns, intermittent shortages of food and hygiene supplies, and problems with toilets and water systems.Local media reports have also described suicide attempts and sailors going overboard during the deployment. Alt...