US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vehemently denied allegations of difficult conditions and mental stress among troops serving on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed in the Gulf, stating they have been 'completely misrepresented'. Despite the Pentagon's claim, influential senators in the country have immediately called for a full investigation to examine the situation on the warship. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for over eight months, spending a record number of days without port calls during this period, a rare occurrence in US Navy history.
Defense Secretary Hegseth sharply criticized recent reports published in US military news outlets 'Navy Times' and 'Stars and Stripes', stating that the information provided in these reports was 'completely misrepresented'. In the aforementioned reports, relatives of USS Abraham Lincoln sailors raised serious allegations, including extremely deplorable conditions inside the warship and a crew member's attempted suicide. These allegations have caused widespread stir in US military circles and raised questions about the Navy's working environment.
Last November, the USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego for deployment in the Pacific Ocean. However, it was later redirected to the Middle East as part of the then-Trump administration's 'Operation Epic Fury'. Since January, the warship has been stationed in the Persian Gulf or its surrounding vast regions, an extremely sensitive area given the ongoing tensions with Iran. This prolonged and indefinite deployment has reportedly caused mental stress among the sailors.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Panama, Defense Secretary Hegseth said, “We ensure that we provide every possible support to every ship, every crew, and every captain. Some deployments are longer than others, and I extend my utmost respect and gratitude to those sailors. Their unforgettable contribution at sea, under adverse conditions and with fewer port calls, is truly commendable.” Through his remarks, he highlighted the sacrifices and hardships endured by the sailors, while also reaffirming the administration's support for them.
Long-term naval deployments, especially during wartime when stress and risk levels are high and opportunities for rest and recreation are limited, have always posed a significant challenge for the US Navy. Historically, such prolonged deployments have negatively impacted the mental and physical health of sailors. The current situation has brought this traditional challenge back to the forefront, sparking new discussions for its resolution.
Earlier, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego called for a formal inspection by a bipartisan Senate delegation to investigate the 'alarming situation' on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Criticizing the Trump administration, Senator Gallego stated, “Unlike Donald Trump, I served in active duty. The way he is using our military personnel in this illegal war is not only abhorrent but also dangerous. These sailors deserve a definite timeline for returning home.” He reiterated his call on Thursday, saying that Congress should fulfill its duty and hold this administration accountable.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal has also sought accountability from the Navy regarding the prevailing situation on the USS Abraham Lincoln. He cited extensive reports of numerous problems on the warship, including 'shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, pipe issues, deteriorating mental health, and deck safety concerns'. These allegations raise serious questions about the warship's internal management weaknesses and the quality of life for its personnel, demanding immediate resolution.
Navy Times and Stars and Stripes had been closely monitoring the USS Abraham Lincoln's record-breaking deployment for several months. Both news outlets extensively re-reported on the issue this week after family members directly appealed to Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and other senior officials last week. This deployment included 40 consecutive days of combat operations in the US Fifth Fleet's operational area and 250 consecutive days at sea, setting a new record in Navy history.
