- Democratic lawmakers are accusing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of lying about conditions on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, the aircraft carrier on extended deployment near Iran.
- Reports indicate sailors are struggling with exhaustion and declining morale, including suicidal thoughts and at least one instance where a crew member was prevented from jumping overboard.
- On Thursday, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton criticized Hegseth's comments, amid reports of worsening conditions including shortages of basic supplies, moldy showers, and long stretches without hot water.
- Hegseth claimed such reports completely misrepresented what’s going on, and stated, “We make sure that every ship, every crew, every captain, has everything we can provide them at every single moment.”
- U.S. Central Command issued a statement denying false claims, including a spike in suicidal ideations, and said one sailor who fell overboard Aug. 3 was quickly recovered.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying 5,000 sailors and Marines who expected to be off the ship by May, is being relieved by the USS George Washington, CNN reported.
- Gallego wrote, “I am in communication with a spouse who is forwarding me her husband’s text messages. Stop lying and fix the problem.”
- Family members described severe conditions: Bonnie York said a doctor or therapist warned the crew needed to reach port before people started “losing their minds,” and Brett Snow said the situation is “ripe for accidents.”
Democratic lawmakers are challenging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his claims regarding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is currently deployed near Iran. Reports indicate that sailors are facing severe shortages of basic supplies, including food and hygiene products, as well as moldy showers and long periods without hot water.1569
On Thursday, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton criticized Hegseth's statements, asserting that they misrepresent the dire situation on the ship. Gallego stated, “I am in communication with a spouse who is forwarding me her husband’s text messages. Stop lying and fix the problem.”410
Crew members have reported struggling with exhaustion and declining morale, with some expressing suicidal thoughts. Bonnie York, whose stepson is aboard, mentioned that a doctor had warned the crew needed to reach port soon to prevent mental health crises. Brett Snow, a Navy veteran, described the situation as “ripe for accidents.”231112
The USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying 5,000 sailors and Marines, was expected to be relieved by the USS George Washington. U.S. Central Command acknowledged a sailor had gone overboard but did not address specific claims about conditions on board. They stated, “The rampant misreporting on Abraham Lincoln’s historic deployment is a disservice to our men and women in uniform and their loved ones.”78
“Gallego said he is in communication with a spouse forwarding her husband's texts, adding 'Stop lying and fix the problem.' Family members report a doctor warned the crew needed to reach port before people started 'losing their minds,' and the ship is being relieved by the USS George Washington.”
The Daily Beast
