USS George Washington Heads to Middle East as Navy Relieves USS Abraham Lincoln

The U.S. Navy is sending the Pacific-based aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln, as concerns grow over the strain of extended deployments during the war with Iran. 

The USS George Washington is being deployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln after its extended deployment. [Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl, U.S. Navy]

The Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for more than 260 days and has spent an extended period operating in the Middle East.

Reports have raised concerns about the mental and physical strain on sailors, including difficulties related to food, supplies and access to mental-health resources. 

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pushed back against some of the reports, while military officials have emphasized the crew's performance during the prolonged deployment.

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, praised the sailors' resilience and described their performance as exceptional despite the demanding deployment. 

The carrier rotation also has strategic implications for the Indo-Pacific.

The George Washington's departure from the Pacific temporarily leaves the western Pacific without a U.S. aircraft carrier, raising concerns among some U.S. allies about the regional security implications of Washington's focus on the Middle East.