USS Abraham Lincoln Replaced Amid Concerns Over Sailor Conditions, Lawmakers Demand Answers

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reacting to concerns about food shortages and other apparent stark conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is being replaced after more than 250 days deployed in the Middle East. The Pacific-based aircraft carrier USS George Washington is heading toward the Middle East to take over from the Lincoln. The Lincoln's deployment has included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 260 days. Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Pentagon to investigate shortages of food, poor sanitation, and a lack of mental healthcare on board the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, listing reported problems. These problems include shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system. Senator Blumenthal noted the Lincoln has been deployed for more than 250 days and has gone more than 200 days without a port call.

Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have described deteriorating conditions, including moldy showers, food shortages, and sailors running out of toothpaste, deodorant, and soap. Family members have raised alarms about apparent suicide attempts, with one sailor going overboard on August 3 and being quickly recovered. The Navy disputed accounts of increased suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the Lincoln.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that reports of a spike in suicidal ideations and a deadly fight killing seven sailors were false. CENTCOM confirmed one sailor fell overboard on August 3 and was quickly and safely recovered. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that reports about conditions on the Lincoln are completely misrepresented. He said the military ensures every ship and crew has everything provided.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, home to more than 5,000 sailors and Marines, left San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was scheduled as a seven-month deployment. It was rerouted to the Middle East in January 2026, before the US-Israel attack against Iran on February 28, and has been supporting the US war against Iran.