US pulls last aircraft carrier in Pacific as Trump focuses on Iran, Western Hemisphere

The US is pulling its last aircraft carrier from the Pacific, the USS George Washington, to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East amid the war against Iran. The Lincoln's deployment has been extended, causing crew strain. The absence leaves the Pacific without a US carrier, as China shows aggression. Analysts say the move reflects the Trump administration's focus on Iran and the Western Hemisphere, retreating from Asia-Pacific. China may exploit the absence to demonstrate strength. The Navy has 11 carriers, but maintenance bottlenecks are expected.

The United States is withdrawing its last aircraft carrier from the Pacific, the USS George Washington, to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, as the war against Iran stretches naval resources. The Lincoln has had its deployment extended from an original May return date, leading to concerns about crew mental health and supply issues. The absence of a US carrier in the Pacific, though possibly short-lived, signals the Trump administration's focus on Iran and the Western Hemisphere, retreating from the Asia-Pacific region. Analysts note that China may exploit this absence to demonstrate strength to regional countries like the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. The Navy has 11 carriers, typically deploying two or three at a time, but may deploy four if the USS Theodore Roosevelt leaves San Diego. Maintenance bottlenecks at the nation's two carrier shipyards are expected. Experts question the future role of carriers in modern warfare, given vulnerabilities to drones and missiles.