US senators demand inquiry into conditions aboard aircraft carrier deployed in Middle East

Congressional Democrats have called for an investigation into the reported conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, citing concerns over food shortages, malfunctioning plumbing, and deteriorating mental health among the crew. The demands follow reports detailing a record-setting deployment for the vessel.

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has been deployed more than 250 days” without coming ashore “in over 200 days, setting a record for consecutive days at sea.

Senator Richard Blumenthal urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a letter to provide an account of the situation. He highlighted that the USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days, with more than 200 consecutive days at sea without docking. Blumenthal expressed alarm over "widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns" and other problems.

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widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns

Senator Ruben Gallego echoed these concerns, calling for an official oversight visit by a bipartisan Senate delegation to the USS Lincoln. He described the situation as alarming, detailing issues such as "moldy showers, sporadic hot water, rationed meals and soap, broken toilets, and grueling 12- to 16-hour shifts with no days off." Gallego, a veteran himself, criticized the prolonged deployment conditions, stating, "The way (US President Donald Trump) is treating our service members as he carries out this illegal war is not just disgusting, it’s dangerous."

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an official oversight visit with the bipartisan Senate Delegation to the USS Lincoln to investigate the reported alarming conditions

Family members of the crew have also voiced their distress, reportedly clashing with Navy leadership over the difficult conditions and demanding to know when their loved ones will return home. Some reports have surfaced regarding severe mental health issues and attempted suicides among sailors aboard the carrier. The U.S. Navy had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

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The stories of crew members threatening to jump off the ship are a frightening alarm bell as to how bad the situation has become: moldy showers, sporadic hot water, rationed meals and soap, broken toilets, and grueling 12- to 16-hour shifts with no days off.