'Predictable risks': Two more US senators call for independant probe into naval warship conditions
The senators granted Hegseth and Cao until September 1 to provide answers and open an inquiry into the issues reported onboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Abraham Lincoln, and the USS Benfold.
Two US senators have called for an independent investigation into the living conditions on three naval ships involved in the war against Iran. The letter, signed by Patty Murray and Christopher Coons, was addressed to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. They requested an investigation to be led by senior civilian executives and former military officers, with recommendations to improve future extended deployments.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Benfold have all faced issues during their deployments. The Ford experienced a laundry fire that took 30 hours to extinguish, the Lincoln faced deteriorating living conditions and mental health concerns, and the Benfold went several days without power affecting its operations.
Murray and Coons are concerned about the adequacy of the US Navy's preparation for these risks, including the availability of relief aircraft carrier groups and disruptions to the naval supply chain. They also asked about answers regarding the Lincoln's port call, resources for returned sailors, the final investigation report on the Ford's laundry fire, and steps to prevent similar issues on other ships.
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