An exclusive look aboard the USS George Washington in its crucial role in the Iran war

September 11, 2026 / 9:23 PM EDT / CBS News

The USS George Washington, with its approximately 5,000 personnel, fighter jets and munitions, is the backbone of the U.S. military's tactical operation in the Iran war, as well as a primary target of the Tehran regime.

A CBS News crew was taken aboard the aircraft carrier this week to get an exclusive look at its latest mission, supporting the U.S. war against Iran from its position in the Arabian Sea near the critical Strait of Hormuz.

The George Washington was sent to the Middle East last month to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which came under scrutiny for the length of its deployment, a record nine months, and concerns about conditions aboard the carrier and the mental health of its troops.

CBS News watched this week as the George Washington's service members launched nighttime missions to help maintain the U.S. blockade against Iran and provide cover for commercial vessels transiting the strait.

But that has come at a cost. The U.S. military is running low on interceptors and precision weapons, sources have previously told CBS News, something Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies.

The George Washington itself may have been a…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/