The Abraham Lincoln has been involved in combat operations linked to the conflict with Iran since early 2026.
Its deployment has stretched for more than 250 consecutive days, putting significant pressure on the carrier and its roughly 5,000 sailors.
Record-breaking deploymentThe Abraham Lincoln left San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was initially expected to be a routine deployment in the Pacific.
Concerns over sailors' mental healthThe prolonged deployment has also led to reports of serious mental health concerns among members of the crew.
The deployment of the USS George Washington is expected to allow the Navy to begin rotating personnel and eventually bring the Abraham Lincoln and its crew home.
The Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea, with families and lawmakers raising concerns over crew welfare
The US Navy has ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to West Asia to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose crew has faced mounting concerns over its physical and mental wellbeing after months at sea.
The Abraham Lincoln has been involved in combat operations linked to the conflict with Iran since early 2026. Its deployment has stretched for more than 250 consecutive days, putting significant pressure on the carrier and its roughly 5,000 sailors.
Record-breaking deployment
The Abraham Lincoln left San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was initially expected to be a routine deployment in the Pacific. It was later diverted to West Asia in January 2026 as tensions and fighting involving Iran escalated.
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The crew has reportedly spent more than 250 days at sea without a regular port visit. Since leaving San Diego, the carrier has had only limited periods ashore, including stops in Guam and Oman.
Families and lawmakers have raised concerns about conditions aboard the ship. Their accounts have included reports of mould in showers, broken toilets, unreliable hot water and shortages of some food supplies.
Concerns over sailors' mental health
The prolonged deployment has also led to reports of serious mental health concerns among members of the crew.
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Reports by Navy Times and Stars and Stripes have described several incidents involving sailors who allegedly considered or attempted to go overboard while experiencing severe emotional distress.
During a recent town hall in San Diego, family members told Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao about what they described as a mental health crisis aboard the carrier.
One family member said her husband had sent her a message expressing that he hoped he would not wake up the following day. Another sailor was reportedly forced to restrain a fellow crew member who was attempting to jump from the flight deck.
The reports have intensified calls for the Navy to bring the carrier and its crew home.
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Washington faces political pressure
The situation has triggered a political dispute over how the Navy has handled the deployment.
Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Mike Levin of California and Jason Crow of Colorado, have criticised the Pentagon over the reported conditions aboard the carrier. They have questioned whether sailors have been provided with adequate support during the extended deployment.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has disputed the reports, calling accounts of poor conditions inaccurate and describing some coverage as "fake news".
The Navy has acknowledged the strain caused by prolonged deployments but said the carrier continues to have access to clean water, functioning air conditioning and adequate meals.
The deployment of the USS George Washington is expected to allow the Navy to begin rotating personnel and eventually bring the Abraham Lincoln and its crew home.
The relief mission comes as pressure grows over the impact of prolonged deployments on sailors, particularly those who have spent months operating in a combat environment with little time ashore.
