Kathmandu— Concerns over crew morale, supply shortages, and maintenance issues on the USS Abraham Lincoln during its record-breaking deployment have sparked debate regarding the US response to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The situation, experts say, highlights the limitations of US naval power after nearly six months of stalemate, raising questions about resupply challenges in a region where US military sites have been repeatedly targeted and prompting scrutiny of Washington’s long-term strategy. The Navy recently announced the Lincoln will return home, replaced by the USS George Washington redeployed from the western Pacific.

Logistical Hurdles and Readiness Concerns

The reported conditions on the USS Lincoln – including shortages of basic supplies and maintenance issues – contrast with concerns over munitions stockpiles. Several family members have shared worries about their loved ones’ wellbeing, with reports surfacing of personnel attempting to jump overboard. Democratic lawmakers have pointed to a “pattern” of similar conditions aboard vessels like the USS Gerald Ford, which was deployed for 326 days before its rotation in May. Retired US Navy Captain Bradley Martin explained that prolonged deployments inevitably lead to readiness issues, noting, “The navy exists to project power…but you do have to deal with the fact that there are limits.”

Iranian Attacks Disrupt Supply Lines

A recent New York Times report linked supply shortages to Iranian attacks on US military sites, particularly damage inflicted on the naval base in Bahrain early in the conflict. As a result, the Navy has been forced to rely on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia – located approximately 2,200 miles from where the USS Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush have been operating – as its primary supply hub. Alexandru Hudisteanu, a maritime security expert, emphasized that maintaining such power projection assets carries significant logistical burdens, stating, “Amateurs talk strategies, while professionals talk logistics.”

Asymmetrical Warfare Challenges

Experts suggest the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln reflect the demands of a prolonged conflict initially anticipated to be swift. Harlan Ullman, a former naval officer, noted that Iran has effectively sidelined two US aircraft carriers – the Ford and the Lincoln – for potentially a year due to post-deployment refits. He also highlighted the limitations of relying solely on air power to achieve US objectives, suggesting that achieving goals like staunching Iran’s nuclear program would likely require ground troops. The conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in the Navy's ability to address asymmetrical threats, with Iran utilizing inexpensive drones and smaller vessels.

Shifting Priorities and Future Deployments

The USS Lincoln’s upcoming return home is being accompanied by the deployment of the USS George Washington from the western Pacific, leaving no US aircraft carrier currently stationed in that region – a long-standing strategic priority. At least one other carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is slated to deploy in September, with two more expected to be available by late 2026 or early 2027. Mona Yacoubian, director of the Middle East Program at CSIS, suggested that these stresses on the US Navy reflect a broader shift towards drone-driven warfare and a reevaluation of US posture in the Middle East.

Strategic Questions Remain

The Pentagon and White House have downplayed reports of dire conditions aboard the USS Lincoln, characterizing them as demanding circumstances expected during wartime. However, Yacoubian believes the situation underscores fundamental questions about US strategy and endgame in the conflict with Iran. “It brings up questions over ‘What’s the strategy? What’s the end game?’ How sustainable is our posture in the region? What are our contingency plans?” she said.

The Pentagon is reportedly considering a plan to pull back troops from the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf, though no official review has been ordered. The ongoing situation continues to raise concerns about the sustainability of US naval operations and the broader implications for regional stability.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.