US lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon for answers following reports of severe hardships aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 250 days. Military news outlets have detailed issues including food shortages, broken plumbing, and exhaustion among the roughly 5,000 crew members, prompting concerns about mental health and safety.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listing reported problems such as "shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system." He called for immediate attention and raised questions about the Navy's ability to sustain the current operational tempo.
Fellow Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego called for a congressional delegation to visit the ship and conduct an oversight investigation, stating there is "no reason to be denied access."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as "completely misrepresented," while a Navy official said no increase in reported suicidal ideation or attempts had been identified. The official acknowledged that "traditional supply hubs" had been disrupted by combat actions and that priority was being given to delivering mission-critical supplies, starting with food, then hygiene items, then mail.
The carrier left California in November for the South China Sea and was later sent to the Middle East ahead of attacks on Iran in February. The deployment, originally set to end in May, has been repeatedly extended, with no return date announced. Reports indicate the USS George Washington may replace the Lincoln as part of a scheduled rotation.
A relative of one sailor, speaking anonymously, told BBC News that their family member had lost 65lbs (29kg) since the deployment began and had confirmed attempts by sailors to jump overboard. The relative described constant noise and vibration from the ship's engine and aircraft, saying there is "never a moment of peace in your mind."
California Congressman Mike Levin summarized the issues on X as "moldy showers, broken toilets, laundry down for weeks, long stretches with no hot water, a meal that came down to half a cup of rice and two tortillas. No soap, deodorant, or toothpaste."
A study of 956 sailors released in January 2025 found that troops aboard US Navy ships suffer the highest rates of "serious psychological distress" compared to other military branches, citing "unique stressors, such as poor habitability, noise, and demanding schedules." Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the US Navy and Marines.
Source: BBC News
មិនទាន់មានមតិយោបល់នៅឡើយទេ។ សូមធ្វើជាអ្នកដំបូងដែលចែករំលែកគំនិតរបស់អ្នក។