The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group completed a six-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility that began in late March 2026, supporting Operation Epic Fury, maritime security operations, and a naval presence in the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz. The carrier quietly departed CENTCOM waters in late September or early October without a formal announcement from 5th Fleet or CENTCOM, arriving in Phuket, Thailand, on October 4 for its first port visit and crew rest period since leaving homeport. As of mid-October, only the USS George Washington remains in the Middle East, with the Bush strike group now operating in the 7th Fleet area. This timing and the absence of announced follow-on tasking in CENTCOM shape trader views on any near-term return to the region.