Four upgrades could decide whether America's carriers keep their edge over China

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading for home port in San Diego, while USS George H.

W.

Bush and USS George Washington remain on station in the North Arabian Gulf executing strikes and upholding the steel wall naval blockade.

America’s aircraft carriers are more important than ever, and Lincoln and her crew of 5,000 will get a warm welcome.

But, back in Washington, D.C. , stormy weather is brewing for the carrier fleet.

And one rogue wave coming directly from the White House could imperil the Navy in a future fight against China.

First, a shout-out to Lincoln's combat success in the Middle East, including taking out 200 Iranian drones threatening commercial shipping.

And oh yes, the Iranians tried and failed to target the Lincoln.

"Since we’ve gotten here, and during Operation Epic Fury, the Iranians were looking for opportunities to attack this ship," Captain Daniel J.

Keeler, commander of the Lincoln, told CNN in a hangar deck interview in July.

"We’re very well-defended," said.

Iran’s shots "don’t get close." In fact, an F-35C stealth fighter from Lincoln shot down one Iranian drone near the carrier back in February.

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CAPTAIN SAYS MORALE IS HIGH FOR NEW MIDEAST MISSION Brilliantly as they’ve performed, it’s high time for some major upgrades to naval aviation to prepare the force to take on China’s navy.

I’m not talking about chow menus or what’s in stock at the ships' stores.