Trump deploys second aircraft carrier to Middle East

US President Donald Trump is downplaying concerns over the mental health of those onboard the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln that's been in commission for about 260 days since the start of the Iran war.

In a latest report, the New York Times cites extensive damage to a US naval base in Bahrain, which is a key logistics hub, as the reason for the aircraft carrier's extended deployment.

The Pacific-based USS George Washington has begun heading toward the Middle East as replacement.

The US Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington based in Japan is heading to the Middle East to replace and relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln after its extended deployment of up to 260 days with reportedly very few port calls.

The USS George Washington left port in Da Nang, Vietnam last week a Navy statement said. The carrier, along with a cruiser and a destroyer has since been spotted crossing the Singapore Strait then the Strait of Malacca heading into the Indian Ocean.

Extended deployments of carriers during the Iran conflict have raised concerns about the impact on service members who are away from home for long periods as well as the increasing strain on the ship and its equipment.

Supply issues emerged after Iranian missiles and attack drones fell on a US Navy base in Bahrain. Several Democratic lawmakers are pressing for accountability from the Pentagon over conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said

were completely misrepresented.

Meanwhile US President Donald Trump downplayed concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln's extended deployment in the Middle East.

Trump referred to the extended deployment as "not long enough."(Reporter) Family members of US service members are concerned

about the conditions on board the USS Lincoln... US President Donald Trump said "Well, no. That ship is moving. No, they're not. That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it's being replaced with another very similar ship." (Reporter) Has this deployment gone on too long, are you worried about the health...? "No, no, no, not nearly long enough. Thank you everybody."