USS George Washington arrives in Middle East, expected to replace USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS George Washington aircraft carrier, which is expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, reached the Middle East on Wednesday, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday.

“The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is operating in Middle East during a scheduled deployment after arriving in the CENTCOM theater yesterday,” it said.

CENTCOM shared a photo of the aircraft carrier with fighter jets seen above its deck as it transits the Arabian Sea.

Lincoln has started its voyage back to the US, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter. However, a US official said the aircraft carrier currently remains within the 5th Fleet’s jurisdiction, indicating it is still operating under the authority of CENTCOM. It is not clear when the carrier will arrive at its destination or whether any port calls are planned during the journey.

The rotation occurs after reports of significant mental health struggles and structural problems that have surfaced aboard the Lincoln following an extended deployment in relation to the Iran war.

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao demanding answers about the sustainability of the Navy's current deployment model.

Blumenthal cited reports of supply shortages, potential water contamination, plumbing failures, deteriorating mental health, safety concerns and major mail disruptions that left care packages stranded in transit.

US officials, however, have disputed the severity of the reports, rejecting accounts of the poor living conditions aboard the carrier.

The George Washington, the US Navy's only aircraft carrier permanently based overseas, while based in Yokosuka, Japan, was ordered to the region to provide relief.