The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its crew of about 5,000 will depart in the coming weeks, according to top US Navy officials cited by CNN on 27/8. The warship is expected to serve in the Middle East for at least seven months, with commanding officers planning for an eight-month deployment.

"They know they will have to be there longer than seven months. The commanding officer gave them an eight-month mark for planning," Master Chief Petty Officer John Perryman, representing all enlisted personnel in the US Navy, told reporters on 26/8.

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington in the South China Sea on 8/8. Photo: US Navy

The USS Theodore Roosevelt's deployment is set to replace the USS George Washington, which arrived in the Middle East on 19/8, as reported by USNI News, a publication of the US Naval Institute. This rotation will allow the USS Abraham Lincoln to return to its homeport after a lengthy deployment. The US currently has another aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, operating in the region.

The recent deployment of the USS George Washington to the Middle East has left the US without an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. The destination of the USS George Washington after being replaced by the USS Theodore Roosevelt remains unclear.

Commander of US Naval Forces Daryl Caudle acknowledged the same day the pressure that conflicts in the Middle East place on the US fleet. He stated that the US Navy would try to limit changes to deployment schedules, but noted that operational demands could make this goal difficult.

"I prefer deployments lasting seven months. I generally do not support mission extensions and strongly oppose such moves. However, the adversary also has a say in this matter," he stated.

The USS Abraham Lincoln deployed for about 280 days, spending most of its time at sea. Its only port calls were brief stops in Guam in 12/2025 and Oman in July. US aircraft carriers typically make port calls after 30-45 days at sea for resupply, maintenance, and crew rest.

Democratic lawmakers stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln had not made a port call for over 200 days, setting a modern record for continuous days at sea. This extended deployment raised concerns about the crew's mental health, with reports of several service members attempting to jump overboard.

However, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared that information regarding conditions on the ship had been "completely distorted". The US Navy stated it had not recorded an increase in "suicidal ideation or attempts on board".

Pham Giang (According to CNN, USNI News)