US senators seek probe into conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — Two U.S. senators have asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to investigate working and living conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for more than 250 days without a port call in over 200 days. In a letter to Hegseth, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said reports from the carrier described shortages of basic supplies, contaminated water, plumbing problems, mental health concerns and safety issues on deck. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego called on a bipartisan Senate delegation to conduct an inspection visit to the ship, posting on X that crew members had reported suicide attempts, threats to jump overboard, moldy toilets, hot water outages and rationing of food and soap, alongside 12- to 16-hour shifts without rest. The carrier departed San Diego on Nov. 21, 2025 and was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean after the war with Iran began. According to MS NOW, the ship carries roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, and family members have pressed Navy leadership in meetings for a return date. The Navy has not publicly responded to the senators' requests. No further details were immediately available.