[International] USS George Washington Arrives in Middle East to Replace USS Abraham Lincoln; No US Carrier Deployed in Pacific Temporarily

Following concerns over the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, US media reported on the 20th that the USS George Washington has arrived in the Middle East to replace the Lincoln. This move leaves the United States temporarily without any aircraft carriers deployed in the Pacific region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social media platform X on the 20th, stating that the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group arrived in its area of operations on the 19th and is currently carrying out its scheduled deployment in the Middle East. CNN reported that the George Washington will replace the Lincoln. Due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the Lincoln has been on extended deployment. Reports of deteriorating mental health among its crew have raised concerns among members of Congress and military families. Three US officials told CNN that earlier this month, a sailor went overboard from the Lincoln, exacerbating concerns about the deteriorating living conditions and crew mental health during the ship's record-breaking deployment. The Lincoln has been at sea for over 250 days, with more than 200 days without docking. The Washington Post reported shortages of fresh food, multiple instances of plumbing damage, and frustration among the crew over the extended deployment with no clear end date. General Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, stated after inspecting the Lincoln last week that the mental health of the crew is a "top priority." A US official told CNN last week that the George Washington Carrier Strike Group departed for the Middle East after concluding a port visit to Vietnam on August 5th, and this rotation had been planned in advance. CNN pointed out that this rotation arrangement leaves the United States temporarily without any aircraft carriers deployed in the Pacific region. The Associated Press previously reported that the "window of absence" in the Pacific would not be too long if the US deploys another carrier to the region in the next month or two. However, experts suggest that this indicates the conflict with Iran has exhausted some US Navy personnel and highlights the Trump administration's continued pivot away from the Asia-Pacific towards the Western Hemisphere. (Editor: Liu Xiang-hua)