The United States is sending the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of deteriorating conditions and mental health concerns among the Lincoln's crew. The USS George Washington, which was near Malaysia as of Thursday, is expected to arrive in the region in approximately nine days. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nine months, exceeding the typical six-month duration.
The Lincoln has been at sea since December 11, and its deployment, originally scheduled to end in May, was extended during active conflict with Iran. Reports from family members and media outlets, including the Military Times and Stars & Stripes, have alleged that the 5,000 sailors aboard face fresh food shortages, broken plumbing, poor sanitation, and exhaustion. The Navy acknowledged that supplies have been disrupted by combat actions but denied reports of a mental health crisis or an increase in suicidal behavior.
President Donald Trump confirmed the replacement on Friday but dismissed concerns that the deployment had been too long, stating it was "not nearly long enough." In contrast, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary Hung Cao on Wednesday, stating that reports of poor conditions "warrant immediate attention" and questioning if the Navy can sustain its current operational tempo. Secretary Hegseth told reporters on Thursday that some media reports were "completely misrepresented" and said the government provides crews with everything possible.
The deployment change carries strategic implications for U.S. naval presence. Once the USS George Washington arrives, it will join the USS George HW Bush, resulting in three U.S. aircraft carriers in the Middle East. However, this move leaves no U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific region, as the George Washington was pulled from its scheduled Pacific patrol that began in May. This shift highlights the resource demands placed on the Navy's carrier force during periods of extended conflict, a point of concern raised by members of Congress regarding the fleet's long-term sustainability.
The USS George Washington is projected to reach the port of Duqm in Oman around August 22, based on BBC Verify tracking data. At that time, it is expected to relieve the Lincoln, allowing that crew to conclude a deployment that began in late 2024. While the Navy maintains that it is addressing supply challenges caused by combat, the transition serves as a response to growing public and legislative pressure regarding the welfare of the sailors. The specific date for the Lincoln’s arrival at its home port has not been reported.