The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of the oldest aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy, remains in active combat despite repeated false claims by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The carrier, leading the U.S. response to the rebels' ongoing attacks in the Red Sea, has been the target of allegations by the Houthis and their online supporters, who have falsely claimed to have hit or even sunk the vessel.

Capt. Christopher "Chowdah" Hill, the leader of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has become a prominent figure on the internet front line, as the Navy grapples with a new level of information warfare. While Hill shrugs off the false claims, emphasizing that the carrier has not been sunk, he acknowledges the attempt to inspire the rebels through misinformation.

To counter the Houthi claims, the Navy has made efforts to showcase the carrier's operational status. Journalists, including two from The Associated Press, were invited on board the Eisenhower, where they were escorted by sailors and were able to witness flight operations and explore the ship. Additionally, aerial footage was captured by AP journalists who circled the carrier in a Seahawk helicopter.

Capt. Christopher Hill himself has been actively engaged in countering the misinformation campaign. Through his social media posts, he continuously shares positive messages about the sailors on board and their activities, such as flight operations and recreational moments. He even takes subtle jabs at the false claims, as demonstrated by his posting of images of cinnamon rolls and muffins in response to a Houthi claim.

Hill's social media outreach has not only aimed to connect with families and bring them closer to the ship but has also taken on a role in countering the false narratives. Hill's posts often feature videos and images of sailors, bringing the family support network closer to the mission. Memes and images of Captain Demo, a Labrador-golden retriever mix on board the ship, further add to the positive atmosphere.

However, despite the efforts to maintain high morale, Hill and other leaders on the Eisenhower are concerned about the strain the deployment is placing on the sailors. The deployment has been the most intense combat experience for the carrier since World War II, and the crew has had only one short port call during the eight-month rotation to Greece.

Morale is also affected by the continuous combat and the importance of munitions. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro revealed that the Navy has spent over $1 billion in armaments to fight in the Red Sea. The asymmetric warfare tactics employed by the Houthis, which involve using cheaper munitions, pose challenges for the Navy in selecting the appropriate weapon systems.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower sails alongside the USS Philippine Sea, a cruiser, and two destroyers, the USS Gravely and the USS Mason, in its ongoing patrol. The deployment has already been extended twice, with the possibility of further extension. Nonetheless, Capt. Christopher Hill remains committed to leading his crew in his unique style, emphasizing the importance of love and value among leaders and sailors alike.

As the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower continues its mission in the Red Sea, its resilience and determination remain steadfast, countering false claims and keeping the morale of its nearly 5,000 personnel high.