U.S. Sends USS George Washington Toward Middle East to Replace USS Abraham Lincoln
The United States is deploying the aircraft carrier USS George Washington toward the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has remained deployed for more than 250 days amid the conflict with Iran.
The George Washington departed the Pacific and has been moving west through Southeast Asian waters toward the Middle East. U.S. officials describe the move as part of a planned carrier rotation, rather than an emergency deployment.
The rotation comes as the Lincoln faces mounting concerns over the strain of its prolonged deployment, including reported shortages of supplies, maintenance and plumbing problems, and concerns over crew morale and mental health. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected claims that conditions aboard the carrier are as severe as reported.
The arrival of the George Washington would allow the U.S. Navy to maintain its carrier presence in the region while giving the Lincoln and its crew a long-awaited relief after months of continuous operations.