USS George Washington replaces USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS George Washington (CVN-73), a Pacific-based aircraft carrier, has begun heading toward the Middle East to replace the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), which has been supporting U.S. military operations against Iran. The Lincoln has been at sea for over 240 days, a record-setting uninterrupted deployment, and reports have emerged of mental health and supply issues aboard the ship, including food and mail shortages. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ruben Gallego, have called for investigations and greater oversight of conditions aboard the carrier. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the conditions, calling reports 'completely misrepresented,' while Navy leaders, including acting Secretary Hung Cao, held a tense town hall with families. The Navy has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. can maintain it 'indefinitely' according to Hegseth. The replacement will leave the Pacific without a U.S. carrier presence for an unknown period, a move that reflects the Trump administration's view of China as a 'settled force.' Other carriers, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and Harry S. Truman, have also faced extended deployments and morale concerns.