The USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on Sunday, setting course for the Middle East amid the Iran war. The San Diego-based aircraft carrier is expected to relieve the Yokosuka-based USS George Washington in the region.
This coincides with the ongoing return of another San Diego-based carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, following a deployment lasting more than 300 days. Navy officials recently disclosed that 8 sailors aboard the vessel attempted suicide while in the open sea, a concerning figure that has raised alarms regarding supply shortages and their toll on crew mental health.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Third Fleet issued a statement to NBC 7 regarding the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt:
“The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the region and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the region.”
Navy leadership indicated they are preparing for a potentially extended deployment. Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs of San Diego visited the ship on Sunday to meet with sailors and logistics personnel, assuring crew members that supply chain issues will be addressed moving forward.
Jacobs also called for institutional accountability and an end to the conflict.
