Middle East deployment leaves Asia-Pacific without US aircraft carrier

DefenseJapan-based USS George Washington assigned to prolonged Iran crisisThe USS George Washington transits the Arabian Sea on Aug. 20. The aircraft carrier was forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, in 2024 and has since conducted extensive joint exercises with that country's Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy via Reuters)JUNNOSUKE KOBARAAugust 21, 2026 12:32 JSTWASHINGTON -- The USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday and has begun operations in waters where hostilities involving Iran continue, the U.S. Central Command said Thursday.