Democratic senators demand answers about conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

Democratic senators demand answers about conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

Washington — Senate Democrats demanded answers Wednesday about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises during the aircraft carrier's record-setting deployment.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal's letter cites the Lincoln "has been deployed more than 250 days and in over 200 days, setting a record for consecutive days at sea."

The letter cites "widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns."

A Navy official said the "Lincoln is operating in a highly contested environment" and that leadership "prioritized mission-critical supplies: first food, then hygiene items, then mail"; current reports "confirm continuous access to clean water, functional AC, and healthy meal options."

Hegseth, in Panama, called the situation "completely misrepresented": "We make sure that every ship, every crew, every captain has everything we can provide them at every single moment."

The Navy confirmed a sailor assigned to the air wing went overboard Aug. 3 and "was quickly and safely recovered."

Military Times reported "several sailors had tried to jump overboard or were prevented from trying."

Rep. Gallego asked the Navy to "allow a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to visit the USS Lincoln."

Navy said it had "not identified an increase in reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the ship."

CENTCOM stressed "no service members aboard the aircraft carrier have died" during the deployment.