A US aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, is heading to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for nearly nine months amid reports of food shortages and difficult conditions aboard the vessel.
The George Washington, which was last reported near Malaysia, could reach the region in about nine days, according to BBC analysis. Tracking data indicates it could arrive at Duqm port in Oman around August 22.
The Lincoln has been deployed since December 11, with its mission initially expected to end in May.
The extended deployment has reportedly raised concerns among sailors’ families over exhaustion, poor sanitation, broken plumbing and shortages of fresh food.
Some relatives have also alleged that sailors considered jumping overboard because of the conditions. One family member told the BBC that a sailor aboard the Lincoln had reportedly lost about 65 pounds (29kg) and was suffering from exhaustion caused by constant aircraft noise and ship vibrations.
The US Navy has acknowledged supply disruptions caused by combat operations during the war with Iran but has denied reports of an increase in suicidal behaviour aboard the carrier.
President Donald Trump, speaking on Friday, also dismissed concerns that the deployment had been too long, saying it was “not nearly long enough.”
The USS George Washington’s arrival would make it the third US aircraft carrier in the Middle East, alongside the USS George H.W. Bush. Its deployment would also mean that no US aircraft carrier remains in the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has urged US defence officials to investigate the reported conditions, warning that they could raise broader questions about whether the Navy can sustain the current operational demands on its carrier fleet.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected some of the reports as misrepresented, insisting that the government is working to ensure US ships and their crews receive the necessary support.
