The United States is planning to send another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, considering the USS George Washington to take over from the currently deployed USS Abraham Lincoln, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday. The report was cited by Middle East Monitor in an article published on August 14, 2026.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for more than 250 days and has not stopped at a port during the past 200 days. It was deployed in November last year and directed toward the Middle East before the United States began its war against Iran in January. The carrier and its aircraft played an important role in Operation Epic Fury and later participated in maintaining a US blockade around Iranian ports.

US lawmakers have raised concerns about sailors' living conditions and work environment after the prolonged operations. Senator Richard Blumenthal sought Pentagon information on reported shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, sewage problems, deteriorating mental health, deck safety and mail disruptions. Representative Marlin Stutzman said he would seek updated information from the Pentagon and US administration.