US pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere
- The USS George Washington is leaving the Pacific and is expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.
- The Lincoln’s deployment has been extended beyond its original May return date to support operations against Iran.
- The absence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Pacific may be temporary if the Navy sends another carrier in the next few months.
- Analysts say the move reflects a reduced U.S. focus on the Asia-Pacific region and creates uncertainty among American allies there.
- China has been stepping up military activity in the region, including exercises near the Scarborough Shoal and drills with Indonesia.
The United States is removing its last aircraft carrier from Asia, with the USS George Washington leaving the Pacific and headed to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. The move comes as the Trump administration concentrates more on Iran and on the Western Hemisphere.
The Lincoln has stayed deployed longer than planned. Its return, originally expected in May, was extended because of operations tied to Iran. The article says there have also been concerns about mental health and supply problems aboard the carrier after the long deployment.
Military analysts said the temporary lack of a U.S. carrier in the Pacific sends a signal to allies and rivals. They said it could reinforce perceptions that Washington is less focused on the Asia-Pacific region, even as China increases pressure in the area.
China has continued military activity near disputed areas and with regional partners, including exercises near the Scarborough Shoal and drills with Indonesia. U.S. officials have been trying to reassure allies, including the Philippines and Japan, that the United States can still project force globally.
美国撤出在亚洲的最后一艘航母，特朗普把重点转向伊朗和西半球
美国正在把其在亚洲的最后一艘航母撤出太平洋。美国海军“乔治·华盛顿”号将离开该地区，前往中东接替“亚伯拉罕·林肯”号，而这一调整发生在特朗普政府把更多注意力放在伊朗和西半球之际。
“林肯”号的部署时间已超出原定安排。它原本计划在5月返航，但为了配合与伊朗有关的行动，部署期限被延长。报道还提到，这艘航母在长期部署后，舰上出现了心理健康和补给方面的担忧。
军事分析人士表示，太平洋地区短暂没有美国航母，会向盟友和对手释放信号。他们认为，这可能进一步强化外界对华盛顿减少关注亚太的印象，而中国同时在该地区加大施压。
中国近期继续在有争议区域及与地区伙伴开展军事活动，包括在斯卡伯勒浅滩附近演习，以及与印度尼西亚举行联合训练。美国官员也在安抚菲律宾、日本等盟友，强调美国仍有能力在全球范围内投射力量。