Senator Richard Blumenthal urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide an account of conditions aboard the aircraft carrier, which has reportedly spent more than 200 consecutive days at sea without coming ashore.
Lawmakers call for oversight visit
Blumenthal raised concerns about the impact of the extended deployment and cited reports of shortages of basic supplies, contaminated water, plumbing problems, deteriorating mental health and deck safety concerns aboard the ship.
Senator Ruben Gallego separately called for an official oversight visit by a bipartisan Senate delegation to investigate the reported conditions aboard the Lincoln.
In a post on X, Gallego said lawmakers needed to examine the situation and determine when the sailors would return home. He also criticised the treatment of service members during the ongoing conflict.
Families raise concerns over conditions
Family members of sailors and Marines aboard the carrier reportedly confronted Navy leadership during two recent meetings over conditions on the ship, including food shortages. They also sought information about when their loved ones would be able to return home.The carrier has about 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard.
Reports have also described severe mental health problems and suicide attempts among personnel on the ship. Gallego referred to accounts of crew members threatening to jump from the vessel as a serious warning about the conditions.
Reports cite shortages and long shifts
The reported problems include moldy showers, inconsistent access to hot water, rationed meals and soap, broken toilets and shifts lasting between 12 and 16 hours without days off.
Gallego said the reports demonstrated the need for congressional oversight and accountability.
USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego, California, on November 21, 2025, for deployment in the South China Sea. It was later redirected to the Middle East ahead of US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28.
Blumenthal’s letter highlighted the carrier’s extended deployment and the reported conditions faced by its crew.
