14.08.2026 17:21
The U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington has set sail for the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose deployment has been extended and which has been the subject of allegations regarding the mental health and living conditions of its crew. U.S. officials stated the change was pre-planned, but as conditions on the Lincoln sparked debate in the U.S., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the reports were 'completely distorted.'
The U.S. Navy is sending the USS George Washington, stationed in the Pacific, to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, whose deployment has been extended due to conflicts with Iran and which has been at sea for 250 days.
THEY HAVEN'T SET FOOT ON LAND FOR NINE MONTHS The USS Abraham Lincoln, which departed from the California coast in November 2025, was initially deployed to the South China Sea, but was later redirected to the Middle East as U.S.-Iran tensions escalated.
The aircraft carrier, which has been deployed for about nine months, took part in military operations against Iran. The ship has not made a port visit for over 200 days.
USS Abraham Lincoln THERE WERE THOSE WHO TRIED TO JUMP INTO THE SEA The Lincoln's extended deployment has become a topic of debate in the U.S. in recent days, with reports about conditions on the ship.
U.S. media alleged that the crew experienced morale and mental health problems, shortages of basic supplies, plumbing issues, and that some sailors attempted suicide.
The U.S. Navy confirmed in early August that a sailor fell overboard and was quickly rescued, while stating that an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.
HEGSETH: THE REPORTS WERE COMPLETELY DISTORTED U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, said the reports about conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln were "completely distorted." Hegseth argued that the Navy continues to support service members on long deployments.
The U.S. Navy acknowledged that the conflicts with Iran disrupted supply centers in the Middle East, affecting some deliveries to the Lincoln.
The Navy stated that in supply, priority was given first to food, then to hygiene supplies and mail, and that sailors on the ship had access to clean water and healthy meal options.
USS George Washington USS GEORGE WASHINGTON HAS DEPARTED Meanwhile, according to U.S. media, the USS George Washington left the port of Da Nang, Vietnam last week. The aircraft carrier, accompanied by a cruiser and a destroyer, then passed through the Singapore Strait and headed toward the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
A U.S. official confirmed to U.S. media that the George Washington is planned to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.