US Redeploys Last Pacific Carrier to Middle East Amid Iran Conflict

The United States is redeploying its last aircraft carrier from the western Pacific to the Middle East, a move that temporarily leaves a region of heightened Chinese military activity without a visible American naval power projection platform. The USS George Washington is departing the Pacific to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been on an extended deployment supporting operations against Iran for more than 260 days.

The redeployment, confirmed by multiple reports, reflects the strain on the U.S. Navy's carrier fleet due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Lincoln's return has been repeatedly delayed, with its deployment now exceeding eight months at sea, setting a modern record for uninterrupted time deployed. Concerns about the welfare of the carrier's roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines have grown, with reports highlighting issues related to mental health, supplies, and living conditions. The Pentagon has disputed some of these accounts, but Democratic lawmakers have called for greater congressional oversight.

The shift of the George Washington to the Middle East comes as China conducts increased military activity near Taiwan and the Philippines. Chinese forces...