US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed reports of deteriorating conditions and mental health struggles aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Speaking to reporters in Panama, Mr Hegseth stated that these reports have been “completely misrepresented” and affirmed that the department ensures every ship and crew has necessary provisions.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently on a nearly nine-month deployment, a record for its duration, and has not made a port call in over 240 days. This extended period at sea has led to growing congressional pressure and concerns from lawmakers and families.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the US Senate armed services committee, sent a letter to Mr Hegseth and acting navy secretary Hung Cao, requesting a formal accounting of the carrier's conditions. Senator Blumenthal cited reports from sailors detailing shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, declining mental health, and mail disruptions. He has given officials until 27 August to respond to his six questions regarding the Navy's tracking of fatigue and morale.
Reports from Stars and Stripes and the Navy Times, citing interviews with active-duty sailors and military families, have mentioned multiple attempts by crew members to jump from the ship, alongside accounts of exhaustion and declining morale. CNN also reported that a sailor went overboard from the Lincoln last month, was rescued, and medically evaluated.
The Lincoln departed its home port of San Diego in November and was later redirected to the Middle East to support US operations in the war with Iran, now in its sixth month. Navy deployments are typically planned for six to seven months and usually include port visits for crew breaks.