US to rotate aircraft carrier in Middle East as Hegseth rejects reports of poor conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13: The United States is preparing to send the USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in a previously scheduled carrier rotation, as concerns mount over the strain of the Lincoln’s extended deployment amid the war with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter.

The planned rotation comes after the Lincoln was reportedly deployed for more than 250 days, including around 200 consecutive days without a port call, according to Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The carrier began its scheduled deployment in November but was redirected to the Middle East in January ahead of the US war against Iran.

Blumenthal has raised concerns about reported conditions aboard the carrier, citing alleged shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems, deteriorating mental health among sailors, deck safety concerns and disruptions to mail deliveries.

Republican Rep. Marlin Stutzman has also said he intends to seek an update from the Pentagon and the administration regarding conditions aboard the ship.

However, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth rejected reports of poor conditions aboard the Lincoln, saying they had been “completely misrepresented.” Speaking to reporters during a visit to Panama, Hegseth praised the sailors for operating in difficult conditions and said the military works to ensure ships, crews and commanders have what they need.

The Wall Street Journal reported that a US official said the planned replacement of the Lincoln had been arranged before concerns about living conditions were raised, indicating that the carrier rotation was part of an existing deployment schedule rather than a response to the allegations.

The arrival of the USS George Washington would nevertheless provide relief for the Lincoln and its crew after one of the US Navy’s longest stretches of continuous operations, as American naval forces remain heavily committed to the Middle East during the conflict with Iran.