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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade

USS George Washington deploys to Middle East as USS Abraham Lincoln faces extended mission

The U.S. Navy is deploying the USS George Washington to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for over 240 days. The move follows reports of supply shortages and mental health concerns among the Lincoln's crew during its extended combat deployment.

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Why It Matters

The deployment shift impacts the operational readiness of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East and highlights ongoing congressional concerns regarding the welfare of service members during prolonged combat rotations.

Key Facts

  • The USS George Washington is en route to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for over 240 consecutive days.
  • The Navy prioritized mission-critical supplies on the Lincoln in the order of food, hygiene items, and mail.
  • The Navy confirmed a sailor went overboard from the Lincoln in early August and was recovered.
  • The Navy denies an increase in suicidal ideations aboard the Lincoln but has declined to release specific data.
  • The USS Gerald R. Ford previously completed an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War.
  • The Navy has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that reports of poor conditions aboard the Lincoln were misrepresented.
  • Democratic lawmakers are calling for official oversight visits and investigations into crew conditions.

Who's Mentioned

personRuben Gallego“U.S. Senator from Arizona.”personNicolás Maduro“Venezuelan leader captured during the USS Gerald R. Ford deployment.”personHung Cao“Acting Secretary of the Navy.”personRichard Blumenthal“U.S. Senator from Connecticut.”personPete Hegseth“Defense Secretary.”otherUSS Abraham Lincoln“Aircraft carrier currently deployed in the Middle East for over 240 days.”otherUSS George Washington“Aircraft carrier currently heading to the Middle East.”