US aircraft carrier on way to relieve USS Lincoln after issues reported aboard

August 14, 2026

The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is traveling to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose crew has experienced severe hardships during an unexpectedly extended nine-month deployment at sea. Thousands of sailors aboard the Lincoln have reportedly endured food shortages, sanitation problems, broken facilities, and exhaustion, with some allegedly attempting suicide by jumping overboard. While President Trump downplayed concerns and the Navy denied a mental health crisis exists, family members have reported significant deterioration in their relatives' well-being, including dramatic weight loss and mental distress.

Who is affected

The 5,000 sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln
Family members of Lincoln sailors, including Jefferson Kelly and his son Jackson
Crew members of the USS George Washington being redirected from Pacific patrol
US Navy personnel and leadership
Democratic lawmakers, particularly Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao

What action is being taken

The USS George Washington is traveling from near Malaysia to the Middle East to replace the Lincoln
The US government is working to provide supplies and support to ships and crews
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao demanding immediate attention to the reported conditions

Why it matters

This situation highlights the strain on US Navy resources and personnel as extended deployments take significant tolls on sailor welfare and mental health. The conditions raise broader strategic questions about whether the Navy can maintain its current operational tempo with carrier forces, especially as this deployment removes the only US aircraft carrier presence from the Pacific region. The reported suicide attempts and deteriorating conditions also underscore potential gaps between military leadership's public statements and the actual experiences of service members and their families.

What's next

The USS George Washington is expected to reach Duqm port in Oman around August 22, based on its current speed and trajectory, where it will become the third aircraft carrier in the Middle East region.

Read full article from source: BBC