Concerns are mounting over the living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier that has been deployed at sea for more than 250 days. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal has called for answers from the military, citing reports of food shortages, broken plumbing, and deteriorating mental health among service members.
The carrier departed San Diego in November, initially heading for the South China Sea before being redirected to the Middle East in February, ahead of U.S. actions against Iran. No return date has been announced for the vessel.
Blumenthal, a Democrat representing Connecticut, detailed the alleged issues in a statement on Thursday. He reported widespread accounts of "shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system," which he said have led to numerous care packages being lost for months.
However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday described the reports as "completely misrepresented." The military has not yet provided a comprehensive response to the senator's specific concerns.
The extended deployment raises questions about military readiness and the welfare of personnel serving on long-duration missions, particularly in demanding operational environments.