USS George Washington to Relieve USS Abraham Lincoln in Middle East

The U.S. Navy confirmed that the aircraft carrier USS George Washington departed Japan and is en route to the Middle East to take over duties from the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for nearly nine months. The change follows a recent town-hall meeting where families of crew members raised questions about conditions aboard the Lincoln.

During the meeting, a spouse expressed worries about the mental well-being of her partner, and other relatives said they had heard sailors contemplate jumping overboard. The Navy responded that it has not identified an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts and that medical, religious and mental-health professionals are available on the ship. A Navy official also noted a decline in such reports as the deployment progressed.

One overboard incident earlier this month is under investigation; the sailor was rescued and received follow-on care. Another family member reported that early in the deployment the crew faced food shortages, which the Navy says have been resolved. The service acknowledged delays in some supplies due to disrupted logistics in the region, but said essential items such as food, hygiene products and mail have been prioritized and that the ship now has continuous access to clean water, functional air conditioning and healthy meals.

Democratic lawmakers have asked the Pentagon for more details on the ship’s conditions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said some media reports were "completely misrepresented" and emphasized that the department strives to provide every ship and crew with needed resources. The USS George Washington, which left Yokosuka in May, was observed moving through the Strait of Malacca and will join the carrier USS George H.W. Bush in the region, leaving the United States without an aircraft carrier in the Pacific for the time being.