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Thousands of US military personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have been deployed in the Middle East for more than 250 consecutive days, raising concerns over food supplies, water and plumbing problems, disrupted mail services and deteriorating mental health.
US lawmakers have asked the Pentagon to explain the living conditions of the nearly 5,000 personnel aboard the carrier. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, has described several of the reports as misleading.
US military news outlets have reported that some sailors have faced severe psychological pressure during the prolonged deployment. Family members of some sailors have even said their relatives had considered jumping overboard.
CBS News, the US partner of the BBC, reported, citing two officials, that a sailor fell overboard earlier this month and was rescued by helicopter. After receiving initial treatment, the sailor was evacuated for further medical care. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
Congress Seeks Answers
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut urged Defence Secretary Hegseth to investigate reports of basic supply shortages, contaminated water, plumbing failures, deteriorating mental health, deck safety risks and disruptions to mail services aboard the carrier.
He said the reports required immediate scrutiny and questioned whether the Navy could sustain such a high operational tempo for such an extended period.
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego described the situation as “terrible” and called for a congressional delegation to be allowed to visit the carrier.
California Congressman Mike Levin claimed on social media that some bathrooms aboard the ship had mould, toilets were malfunctioning, laundry facilities had been unavailable for weeks, hot water had been lacking for extended periods and essential hygiene supplies were in short supply.
‘I Am Dead Tired’
A relative of one sailor told the BBC that the sailor had lost about 65 pounds (29kg) during the prolonged deployment.
The relative said the inability to dock for extended periods, lack of opportunities to leave the ship, constant vibration and noise, insufficient rest and a shortage of fresh food were increasing the sailor’s psychological stress.
According to the relative, the sailor had written: “I am dead tired. Just dead.”
A US Navy official, however, rejected many of the allegations. The official told the BBC that the Navy had no evidence of an increase in suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts aboard the carrier.
The official said wartime operations had disrupted routine supplies, but food was currently being prioritised, followed by medical supplies and mail. The Navy also said the ship had access to clean water, functioning air conditioning and a consistent supply of nutritious food.
Hegseth Says Sailors Are Being Supported
Speaking to reporters in Panama on Thursday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the government was working to ensure that “every ship, every crew and every captain” received the support they needed.
He thanked sailors serving on extended deployments and acknowledged that some military deployments last longer than others. At the same time, he said some reports about conditions aboard the Abraham Lincoln did not accurately reflect the situation.
Trump administration spokesperson Olivia Wells also said President Donald Trump and Hegseth were committed to providing the US military with the resources and support needed to deal with potential threats.
Carrier Deployment Extended
The USS Abraham Lincoln left California in November last year, initially heading toward the South China Sea. It was later moved to the Middle East ahead of US strikes on Iran in February this year.
The carrier was originally expected to return to the United States in May, but its deployment was extended several times. No specific return date has since been announced.
Recent reports indicate that the USS George Washington is being prepared to replace the Abraham Lincoln as part of a planned rotation.
During previous prolonged deployments, the Navy introduced recreational activities such as bingo, art programmes and music competitions to help reduce sailors’ stress, according to the military publication Stars and Stripes.
Mental Health Concerns in the Navy
A January 2025 survey of 956 sailors found higher rates of severe psychological distress among personnel aboard US Navy ships compared with members of other branches of the military. Inadequate accommodation, constant noise and insufficient sleep and rest were identified as major sources of stress.
Suicide has also remained a significant concern in the US Navy and Marine Corps. According to a recent report by USNI News, 60 Navy personnel and 46 Marines died by suicide in 2024. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in both services.
The prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln has therefore raised questions not only about US military readiness but also about sailors’ living conditions, rest, supplies and mental wellbeing. With calls for a congressional investigation growing, attention is now focused on the Pentagon and Navy’s next steps.
Source BBC
