USS Washington arrives in Middle East after aircraft carrier outcry

Vessel expected to replace USS Lincoln after reports of dire conditions on board raised questions over US war planning.Published On 20 Aug 202620 Aug 2026An aircraft carrier previously deployed to the Western Pacific has arrived in the Middle East, following an outcry over reported conditions on a sister vessel that had been deployed to the region amid the US-Israel war with Iran.US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees the Middle East, said on Thursday that the USS George Washington had arrived in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday as “part of a scheduled deployment”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3USS Lincoln woes highlight US Navy limits in prolonged Iran war: Expertslist 2 of 3Democrats call for USS Lincoln probe, question US Navy’s readinesslist 3 of 3Trump says no talks planned with Iran amid anger over Iran-Oman Hormuz dealend of listThe shift leaves the US without an aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific, despite Washington’s strategic emphasis on the region.Last week, the Navy announced that the Lincoln would be rotated back to the US. The carrier left its port in San Diego last November and deployed off the coast of Venezuela before being rerouted after the ...