Washington Aircraft Carrier to the Middle East to Replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, Which Has Been Deployed in the Region for More Than 250

The Pentagon is preparing to rotate one of its aircraft carriers in the region, with final preparations underway for the USS George Washington to take over from the USS Abraham Lincoln. U.S. officials said the move is part of a previously planned rotation schedule, and that the USS Abraham Lincoln will undergo necessary maintenance for a period. The USS George Washington, currently operating in the Pacific region, is expected to set sail for the Middle East in the near future.

The USS Abraham Lincoln's extended deployment of over 250 days has sparked debate within the U.S. Congress, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about living conditions on board. The carrier began its planned mission in November 2025 and was redirected to the Middle East in January ahead of the U.S. strikes against Iran. It first took part in U.S. attacks on Iran and later joined the blockade imposed on Iranian ports.