USS Lincoln woes highlight US Navy limits in prolonged Iran war: Experts The reported challenges faced by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier during its extended deployment have intensified scrutiny over the US military’s capacity to sustain operations in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Experts and lawmakers argue that the situation underscores the limitations of US naval power in a protracted asymmetrical war, as the conflict has entered a grinding stalemate with no clear resolution in sight. The carrier’s conditions, including crew morale issues, supply shortages, and maintenance problems, have sparked debates about the readiness of the US Navy and its ability to adapt to the demands of prolonged warfare. The USS Lincoln, which has been deployed since November 2025, broke the record for the longest period without a port stop, raising concerns about the sustainability of such operations. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the administration for failing to address the challenges faced by the fleet, citing similar issues on the USS Gerald Ford, which was deployed for 326 days before its rotation in May. A letter from lawmakers highlighted the need for the Department of Defense to improve its response to the conditions in the CENTCOM region, where US military sites have been repeatedly targeted by Iranian attacks. The supply shortages on the USS Lincoln and other carriers have been linked to Iranian strikes on US bases in the Middle East, including the heavy damage inflicted on the naval base in Bahrain early in the conflict. The US military has reportedly relied on Diego Garcia, an Indian Ocean island 3,540 kilometers from the operational area, as its primary supply hub. This distance has exacerbated logistical challenges, forcing the navy to stretch its resources across vast distances.#iran #centcom #diego_garcia #uss_gerald_ford #uss_lincoln
Trump Tirade over Gas Prices Backfires in Epic Self-Own Greg Sargent opened the August 17 episode of The Daily Blast podcast by dissecting two recent outbursts from Donald Trump that have drawn sharp criticism. The first incident involved Trump’s defense of rising gas prices, which he linked to his policies in the Middle East. During a rally, Trump mocked the idea that anyone would be upset about higher costs, framing them as a necessary sacrifice to prevent a “very evil country” from acquiring nuclear weapons. He dismissed concerns about the financial burden on everyday Americans, insisting that paying more for gas was justified. The remarks, which Sargent called “pure seething contempt,” highlighted Trump’s inability to connect with voters struggling with inflation and the cost of living. The second incident centered on Trump’s dismissal of military families’ concerns about the prolonged deployments of sailors aboard the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier. A reporter asked Trump about the strain on families due to the ship’s extended time at sea, but Trump brushed off the issue, claiming the vessel was “moving” and would be replaced. When asked if the deployments had gone on too long, Trump replied, “No, not nearly long enough,” implying that the military should continue its mission indefinitely. Sargent noted the “seething contempt” in Trump’s tone, emphasizing how the president refused to acknowledge the human cost of his policies. The hosts of the podcast, Sargent and Steve Benen, argued that Trump’s behavior reflects a broader pattern of indifference to ordinary Americans’ struggles. Benen pointed out that Trump’s comments on gas prices and military deployments contradict his role as a leader who should prioritize empathy and accountability.#donald_trump #greg_sargent #steve_benen #uss_lincoln #daily_blast
