US Senators Demand Investigation Into “Alarming” Conditions Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

US senators have called for an investigation into what they describe as “alarming” conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier deployed in West Asia. In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern over the carrier’s prolonged deployment, saying the vessel departed Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, for an expected seven-month mission but has now remained deployed for more than 250 days without coming ashore for over 200 days.

Blumenthal said he had received widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, contaminated water, plumbing failures, deteriorating mental health and deck-safety concerns among the approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier. Senator Ruben Gallego separately called for an official bipartisan Senate oversight visit to investigate the reported conditions. The concerns were also raised by around 200 family members during a town hall meeting with Navy officials in San Diego, where families demanded greater clarity over the deployment’s duration and the well-being of personnel.

Reports have also raised serious concerns about the psychological strain on the crew, including alleged suicide attempts and threats by young military personnel to jump from the ship. Gallego described reports of moldy showers, intermittent hot water, rationed meals and soap, broken toilets and grueling 12- to 16-hour shifts without days off as a “frightening alarm bell.” The allegations have intensified calls for congressional oversight of the carrier’s extended deployment and the US Navy’s treatment of its personnel.