Move comes after reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination and plumbing issues on the carrier
Flight deck personnel run to receive a helicopter preparing to land on the flight deck on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it patrols the Arabian Gulf during a Strait of Hormuz transit February 14, 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS
US President Donald Trump on Friday confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is being replaced in the Middle East, following concerns over prolonged deployment conditions faced by American sailors.
“That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it’s being replaced with another very similar ship,” Trump told reporters when asked about the concerns raised by families of service members aboard the Lincoln.
Asked whether the deployment had gone on too long, Trump responded: “No. Not nearly long enough.”
President Trump said Friday the USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment has gone on “not nearly long enough” when asked about some families raising concerns about conditions aboard the ship and its nearly nine-month deployment.
“It’s being replaced with another very similar ship,” he… pic.twitter.com/2Uew27Rzo8
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 14, 2026
The US is planning to send the USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the Lincoln as part of a previously scheduled rotation, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
Read: Concern grows over conditions on USS Abraham Lincoln
The Lincoln has been deployed for more than 250 days, with no port call in the last 200 days, according to the Journal.
The carrier began its deployment in November and was redirected to the Middle East in January ahead of the US war with Iran.
The recent move came after Sen Richard Blumenthal raised concerns in a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, citing reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and mail disruptions that have delayed care packages for months.
The Trump Admin must explain what they are doing to support sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln who have been continuously at sea for nearly 7 months. Widespread reports of supply shortages, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health & more demand immediate attention. pic.twitter.com/8eIdTHELfV
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) August 12, 2026
The senator said the Lincoln departed Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was initially planned as a seven-month deployment. Its deployment was scheduled to end in May but has since been extended, with no publicly announced return date.
Read More: US senator demands answers on USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended deployment
Blumenthal said the carrier has gone more than 200 days without a port call, setting a record for consecutive days at sea.
The extended deployment has raised broader questions about whether the Navy can sustain the operational demands being placed on its aircraft carrier fleet while maintaining crew welfare, equipment readiness and scheduled maintenance, according to Blumenthal.
