WASHINGTON — The United States is sending the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. official said, as the Lincoln faces scrutiny over the strain of its prolonged deployment during the war with Iran.
The George Washington has departed Vietnam and is heading toward the region, according to reports citing U.S. officials. The timing of its arrival has not been disclosed. The rotation was planned in advance, the official said, rather than being ordered in response to concerns aboard the Lincoln.
The Lincoln has been deployed since late 2025 and has spent more than 250 days at sea, supporting U.S. military operations in the Middle East, according to U.S. officials and Navy records. The Navy said in February that the carrier was operating in the Arabian Sea as part of the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
The extended deployment has prompted reports of supply shortages, plumbing problems and mental-health concerns among sailors. Some lawmakers have called for investigations into conditions aboard the carrier.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday rejected reports of severe problems aboard the Lincoln, saying they had been “completely misrepresented,” while acknowledging the need to bring the carrier and its crew home.
The George Washington’s arrival date and the Lincoln’s return schedule have not been publicly announced. The situation remains developing.
