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

The USS George Washington, a massive aircraft carrier with around 5,000 personnel aboard, including fighter jets and munitions, serves as the United States' main tactical force in the ongoing Iran conflict, while also being a primary target for the Tehran regime. A CBS News team was recently granted access to the ship to observe its current mission, which is supporting U.S. operations against Iran from its location in the Arabian Sea, near the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

The George Washington was deployed to the Middle East last month, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been in service for a record-breaking nine months, raising concerns about living conditions and the psychological well-being of its crew.

During the team's visit, the service members were seen launching nighttime operations to uphold the U.S. sanctions on Iran and provide protection for commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. However, this consistent activity has led to a shortage of interceptors and precision weapons, a situation acknowledged by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though he denies any direct threat to the George Washington.

Capt. Nicholas Deleo, the commanding officer, reassured that the ship has multiple defensive and offensive measures in place, which they continuously practice against potential ballistic missile strikes. The captain expressed that these scenarios are routine training simulations for the crew.

A new threat has emerged in the region: Iran-backed Houthi militants have taken control of key territories in Yemen, including a crucial Red Sea port city and several strategic islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These developments have raised concerns about the safety of vital oil routes for Saudi Arabia, as the Houthis have reportedly taken control of a major Red Sea port.

Additionally, they have attacked several Saudi oil refineries, forcing the Saudi government to temporarily halt their East-West oil pipeline due to drone attacks launched from Iraq. The pipeline damage has resulted in numerous casualties and widespread disruption. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has directly requested President Trump to take action against the Houthis, but so far, the U.S. President has not engaged the military forces, opting instead for intelligence and targeting assistance.