WASHINGTON, US: A US aircraft carrier is heading towards the Middle East to replace USS Abraham Lincoln after its extended deployment. US officials confirmed the planned rotation to the Associated Press on August 14.
USS George Washington left Da Nang, Vietnam, on August 5 with the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and destroyer USS Shoup. The US Navy publicly confirmed that departure on August 12.
The carrier later entered the Strait of Malacca, placing it on a route towards the Indian Ocean, USNI News reported.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said Lincoln had deployed for more than 250 days by August 12. His letter to Pentagon leaders cited over 200 consecutive days without a port call.
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Blumenthal cited reports of supply shortages, water contamination, plumbing problems, safety concerns, worsening mental health and disrupted mail deliveries.
A sailor went overboard off the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier, which is stationed in the Middle East, earlier this month. They were quickly rescued and the incident is under investigation.
It comes as family members of some of the 5,000 sailors and Marines on board fear that the… pic.twitter.com/9rgr4NCp6b
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) August 14, 2026The Navy told AP that combat disrupted traditional Middle East supply hubs. It said leaders prioritised food, hygiene supplies and mail. The Navy added that sailors currently had clean water and healthy meal options.
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Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected descriptions of severe deterioration aboard Lincoln. He said the Navy could sustain its regional mission by rotating ships.
The Wall Street Journal described George Washington’s deployment as scheduled. Officials have not announced its Middle East arrival date or Lincoln’s return date.
