Senate Democrats demands answers from Pentagon about USS Abraham Lincoln living conditions
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is demanding greater transparency from the Department of War about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Middle East for the past six months in support of the Iran war, but it has been at sea even longer — 250 consecutive days since departing Naval Base San Diego on Nov. 21, 2025.
On Aug. 12, Blumenthal sent a letter to War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao decrying “widespread reports” of supply shortages, contaminated water, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety issues and a disruption of mail delivery.
Last Thursday in San Diego, 200 spouses and family members had a town hall with the acting Navy secretary to voice their concerns over the mental health and safety conditions on the Lincoln.
Blumenthal requested Cao respond to a list of his questions about the status of the ships and the sailors on board by Aug. 27.
In part, he wants to know how the Navy will sustain various carrier strike groups in the Middle East if the war continues over the next year to two years, and what “habitability” problems sailors are currently facing.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., shares Blumenthal’s concerns, posting on social media Wednesday night that he is requesting an official oversight visit with a bipartisan Senate Delegation to the USS Abraham Lincoln.
“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,” Gallego wrote.
In a statement to Task & Purpose, Navy officials denied there was an increase in “reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the ship.”
Fox News’ Liz Friden contributed to this report.
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