Trump Deploys USS George Washington to Relieve Overextended USS Lincoln

The United States Navy is deploying the USS George Washington to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 260 days supporting operations against Iran. The Lincoln set a modern record by spending more than 200 consecutive days at sea without a port call, a strain attributed to the destruction of a primary Navy base in Bahrain and the subsequent shift of logistics to Diego Garcia.

Donald Trump dismissed reports of deteriorating living conditions and a mental health crisis aboard the Lincoln, stating the deployment was "not nearly long enough." Democratic lawmakers and crew families reported plumbing failures, food shortages, and multiple suicide attempts, including a sailor who jumped overboard on August 3. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao rejected these claims as "completely misrepresented," though Cao acknowledged that some mental health cases were treated.

The redeployment of the USS George Washington from the western Pacific leaves that region without a U.S. aircraft carrier. This vacuum has been met with increased Chinese military activity, including drills near the Scarborough Shoal and Okinotori island. In response, Admiral Frank Bradley visited Manila to reassure allies of continued U.S. commitment. The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to return to its home port in San Diego once the handover is complete.