Thousands of US military members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are reportedly contending with food shortages, broken plumbing, and exhaustion, according to a report published August 13. The crew, which has been at sea for more than 250 days, has faced conditions that have led some sailors to consider jumping overboard and have caused families to raise concerns regarding mental health.
The carrier left California in November for the South China Sea and was sent to the Middle East ahead of attacks on Iran in February. While the deployment was originally scheduled to end in May, it has been repeatedly extended. On Thursday, multiple outlets reported the US is preparing to replace the carrier with the USS George Washington as part of a previously scheduled rotation plan.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth listing hardships on the ship, where approximately 5,000 people live. The letter cited shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system.
California Congressman Mike Levin stated the USS Abraham Lincoln has dealt with moldy showers, broken toilets, laundry issues lasting weeks, and long periods without hot water. He described meals consisting of half a cup of rice and two tortillas, along with a lack of soap, deodorant, and toothpaste.
A relative of a sailor on the ship told BBC News that their family member has lost 65lbs since the deployment began. The relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated the sailor described constant noise and vibration from the ship's engine and aircraft. The relative noted the lack of port visits and decompression time.
Regarding reports of sailors going overboard, a Navy official told the BBC that they had not identified an increase in reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the ship. A Navy official stated that traditional supply hubs have been disrupted by combat actions and that the priority is delivering mission-critical supplies, specifically food, then hygiene items, and then mail. The official added that current reports from the ship confirm continuous access to clean water, functional air conditioning, and healthy meal options.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called the reports of conditions completely misrepresented on Thursday. He stated the government is ensuring every ship and crew has everything they can provide at every moment.
Olivia Wales, a spokeswoman for Trump, told reporters that both Hegseth and Trump are committed to ensuring the US military is equipped with the resources necessary to counter any threat to the United States.
