US carrier heads to West Asia amid crew welfare concerns

The USS George Washington is heading to West Asia to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been plagued by reports of food shortages, poor hygiene, and mental health issues among its thousands of sailors and Marines. The USS George Washington is expected to arrive in the region in about nine days, according to BBC analysis.

Earlier this week, Military Times and Stars & Stripes reported that families of USS Abraham Lincoln crew members expressed worries about their loved ones' deteriorating mental health, with some individuals reportedly attempting to jump overboard. Conditions cited included poor sanitation, infrequent port calls, plumbing problems, fatigue, and a lack of fresh food. One family member told the BBC that a relative had lost 29 kilograms since the ship departed and suffered from exhaustion due to constant aircraft noise and ship vibrations.

The USS Abraham Lincoln left its San Diego base last November, embarking on a 250-day continuous deployment to support U.S. operations in the war with Iran. This marked the longest deployment for an aircraft carrier in modern times. The U.S. Navy acknowledged supply challenges but denied a mental health crisis on board the vessel, which carries approximately 5,000 personnel. President Donald Trump also dismissed concerns from crew families about their relatives' welfare and the possibility of the deployment being too long.

The USS George Washington departed from its naval facility in Yokosuka, Japan, in May for Pacific patrols and is now en route to West Asia. Based on its last recorded speed, the ship is projected to reach Duqm port in Oman around August 22, approximately 800 kilometers from Iran's coast. Upon arrival, it will be the third U.S. aircraft carrier in the region, joining the USS George H.W. Bush.

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My brother lost 29 kilograms since the ship began its voyage and suffered from exhaustion due to the continuous noise of aircraft and ship vibrations.