Pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere

The U.S. Navy is pulling its last aircraft carrier in Asia as President Donald Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere, according to an Associated Press report from Washington. The USS George Washington is departing the Pacific and is expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. The Lincoln’s deployment has been extended beyond an original May return date amid concerns about sailors’ mental health and supply issues aboard the long-deployed carrier. Analysts cited by AP say the gap in the Pacific could be temporary if another carrier deploys soon, but it underscores how open-ended operations related to Iran are straining crews while the administration shifts attention away from the Asia-Pacific.