The USS Theodore Roosevelt has quietly departed San Diego for an extended Middle East deployment, becoming the fifth US aircraft carrier committed to Iran-war operations since the conflict began on February 28. USNI News first reported the sailing, and a defense official confirmed the deployment had begun.

The carrier (CVN-71) will relieve the Japan-based USS George Washington in US Central Command’s area of responsibility. Families were told to plan for more than seven months away. The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, John Perryman, said the commanding officer is giving crews eight months to plan on.

The Navy says it is applying lessons from recent grueling deployments. The Abraham Lincoln’s tour of more than 250 days produced reports of mental-health strain and supply shortages. In response, the service has expanded food, hygiene and supply storage aboard departing carriers.

The United States has kept a continuous carrier presence in the Arabian Sea since February 28, enforcing a naval blockade of Iran and covering commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The Roosevelt’s departure signals Washington expects the commitment to continue well into next year.