The USS George Washington has operated continuously in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility since entering the Arabian Sea in mid-August 2026, conducting sustained flight operations with its air wing in support of Fifth Fleet maritime security missions. As of early October 2026, the carrier remains on station alongside the George H.W. Bush, while the Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on September 27 and is transiting toward the region for a potential relief rotation. Navy statements emphasize operational security and avoid public timelines, leaving departure dependent on force posture needs, relief ship arrival, and any escalation or de-escalation signals tied to Iran-related contingencies. Traders monitor carrier movements, official announcements, and regional tensions for shifts in expected departure windows.