US Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has asked the US Navy to account for living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, citing reports of shortages of basic necessities, water contamination, and plumbing problems.
The aircraft carrier has been deployed for more than 250 days and has not docked for more than 200 days, according to Senator Blumenthal's letter. The vessel left California on 21 November 2025 for a mission in the South China Sea before being redirected to the Middle East shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iran.
The amount of time the USS Abraham Lincoln has remained without docking.
Reports from aboard the ship describe grueling work schedules, broken toilets, and sporadic hot water. These conditions have been linked to deteriorating mental health among the crew.
Her husband attempted to throw himself overboard before being stopped by his comrades.
The sailor's wife further stated that this attempt would not be an isolated case. The USS Abraham Lincoln's mission, originally planned to end in late May 2026, has been postponed several times due to the war in Iran, according to Navy Times.
Congressional and family response
US Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego has called for an investigation into the reported conditions aboard the vessel. Senator Blumenthal also noted flight-deck safety problems as part of his inquiry to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
According to the MSNOW media outlet, families have confronted US Navy officials during two recent meetings to demand information regarding the return of their relatives.
The carrier's 5,000 crew members have not set foot on land for more than six months.
