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Acting Navy Secretary Orders George Washington Replace Lincoln

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln after its record 240-day deployment.
The carrier stayed at sea for almost nine months, exceeding its seven-month plan.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demanded accountability after supply shortages and overboard attempts.
President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth dismissed the concerns as “not nearly long enough.”
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced the USS George Washington will replace Lincoln.

History

Historical Context

During the 1991 Gulf War, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower completed a 180-day deployment, projecting decisive power for Coalition forces. The ship launched over 30,000 sorties, cost $1.2 billion, and supported operations from the Persian Gulf to Kuwait City under the direction of U.S. Central Command. Today, Admiral Brad Cooper inspected the USS Abraham Lincoln after a record 240-day deployment, while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and President Donald Trump spar over logistics. The historic precedent pressures the Navy to accelerate the USS George Washington’s commissioning, aiming to reduce future over-extension and sustain fleet readiness.

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Story summary

U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln after its record 240-day deployment.
The carrier stayed at sea for almost nine months, exceeding its seven-month plan.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demanded accountability after supply shortages and overboard attempts.
President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth dismissed the concerns as “not nearly long enough.”
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced the USS George Washington will replace Lincoln.

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