Conditions on US aircraft carrier at sea for more than 250 days raise alarms
There are reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and other potential harms aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed since November.
A US senator has called for answers on the living conditions aboard a US aircraft carrier that has been deployed for over 250 days in the Middle East, raising alarms over the harsh circumstances faced by the crew. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been reported to have food shortages, broken plumbing, and even suicide attempts among sailors.
The carrier, which left San Diego in November, was initially expected to return in May but has since been extended multiple times. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as "completely misrepresented," stating that the military provides everything necessary for sailors. However, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal highlighted the chain of problems, including shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, and mental health issues, urging immediate attention.
The crew, numbering around 5,000, has reportedly experienced disruptions in mail deliveries, with many care packages lost in transit. While the Navy maintains that clean water, functional air conditioning, and healthy meals are available, the situation has prompted concerns about the Navy's ability to sustain the operational tempo demanded of its carrier force.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
