Conditions on US aircraft carrier at sea for more than 250 days raise alarms

Concerns about the living conditions on a U.S. aircraft carrier that has been at sea for over 250 days in the Middle East have prompted a U.S. senator to seek answers from the military regarding the ship and to pressure the Trump administration over the Iran situation. Reports indicate that crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are facing food shortages and broken plumbing, with instances of suicide attempts.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as "completely misrepresented" on Thursday. The carrier departed from San Diego in November, initially heading to the South China Sea before being redirected to the Middle East ahead of the February attacks on Iran. No return date has been announced. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal included the reported hardships in a letter to Hegseth, stating that they warrant immediate attention and raise questions about the Navy's ability to sustain the current operational tempo.

Multiple sailors reportedly contemplated suicide or attempted to jump overboard, according to their family members, with some incidents confirmed by CBS News and the BBC. A Navy official denied any increase in suicide reports, stating that traditional supply hubs were disrupted by combat actions. The Navy is prioritizing mission-critical supplies, including food, hygiene items, and mail.

The deployment was initially set to conclude in May but has been extended multiple times. Hegseth emphasized the government's commitment to providing everything needed for every ship, crew, and captain during deployments. The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported that the U.S. is preparing to replace the Lincoln with the USS George Washington as part of a planned rotation.