US senators demand Hegseth not 'peddle excuses' on USS Lincoln conditions

Twelve U.S. senators are demanding "honest answers" from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding reports of deteriorating conditions and mental health crises aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The senators sent a formal letter to Hegseth, criticizing him and President Donald Trump for dismissing earlier reports about the ship.

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The USS Lincoln was redirected to the Middle East as the war with Iran began and has remained there as that war has dragged on with no clear endpoint. This is a symptom of poor planning by both you [Hegseth] and the President and exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran.

The Lincoln has been at sea for nearly 250 consecutive days without making port since departing San Diego in November 2025. Reports from military newspapers indicate several service members have attempted to jump overboard, citing concerned family members. The senators argue the situation is "preventable" and echoes issues faced by the USS Gerald R. Ford during its extended deployment.

"The USS Lincoln was redirected to the Middle East as the war with Iran began and has remained there as that war has dragged on with no clear endpoint," the letter states. "This is a symptom of poor planning by both you [Hegseth] and the President and exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran." The senators also addressed the potential deployment of the USS George Washington to relieve the Lincoln, emphasizing that bringing the Lincoln home takes precedence.

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Denial and defensiveness are not acceptable responses. Congress and these families need accountability.

"Denial and defensiveness are not acceptable responses. Congress and these families need accountability," the letter declared. The senators presented Hegseth with 12 questions concerning the carrier's status, living conditions, crew morale, and the well-being of families. They concluded by stating, "As the Secretary of Defense, you [Hegseth] are accountable to the men and women who serve our nation. It is time for you to demonstrate leadership, rather than peddle excuses."

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As the Secretary of Defense, you [Hegseth] are accountable to the men and women who serve our nation. It is time for you to demonstrate leadership, rather than peddle excuses. The service members we send into harm's way deserve nothing less.