Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBen Finley & Konstantin ToropinThursday 20 August 2026 22:05 BSTJohn Oliver blasts Pete Hegseth over conditions on the USS Abraham LincolnUSS George Washington aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East to relieve USS Abraham Lincoln following a record-setting deployment of more than 250 continuous days at sea.The relief follows reports of severe crew strain, mental health struggles, and basic supply shortages aboard the Lincoln during its extended tour supporting operations against Iran.President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed reports of poor conditions, with Hegseth claiming issues aboard the Lincoln were “misrepresented”.U.S. Central Command confirmed the Washington's arrival and announced the Lincoln crew would head home, though the U.S. continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.The transfer leaves the Asia-Pacific region temporarily without an American carrier strike group amid rising tensions with China.In fullUSS Lincoln’s replacement arrives in Middle East after worries over troops’ mental healthMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in