The prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in support of US military operations in the Middle East has raised growing concerns over the conditions faced by thousands of sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier.
The carrier has now spent more than 260 days at sea, with reports pointing to shortages of basic supplies, sanitation problems and increasing mental health concerns among members of the crew.
The Lincoln is expected to be replaced in the Middle East by another US aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, a move likely to provide relief to the ship’s crew and their families.
Long deployment puts pressure on crew
The Abraham Lincoln left California in November 2025 for an assignment in the South China Sea but was later redirected to the Middle East ahead of US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began in late February.
Jonathan Schroden, chief research officer at the Centre for Naval Analyses, said the prolonged deployment could create significant difficulties for sailors.
“Even in peacetime conditions, the quarters are cramped, the workdays are long, the food is not great,” Schroden said, adding that sailors also have limited opportunities for fresh air, exercise and adequate sleep.
The challenges become more severe during combat operations, when crews must remain prepared for potential threats.
According to Schroden, carrier strike groups are generally designed around deployments of roughly six months, partly because of concerns over sailor welfare. Extending deployments can also contribute to higher maintenance requirements and reduce the time available to prepare ships for future missions.
Reports raise mental health concerns
Mental health has become one of the most serious concerns surrounding the Lincoln.
The Navy Times reported that two sailors had attempted to jump from the carrier. The US Navy did not immediately respond to questions from AFP regarding the reports.
US Central Command said on X that the crew remained “resilient and resolved” after more than 260 days at sea.
The command also said that no service members aboard the carrier had died and that a sailor who fell overboard on August 3 was quickly and safely recovered.
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Families demand answers over conditions
Family members of sailors have reportedly confronted Navy leadership during recent meetings over conditions aboard the carrier.
Concerns have included alleged food shortages and questions about when the sailors would be able to return home. Around 5,000 sailors and Marines are aboard the Lincoln.
Some US lawmakers have also called for greater oversight.
Senator Ruben Gallego called for an official bipartisan Senate visit to investigate what he described as “alarming conditions” reported aboard the ship.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal cited reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems, deteriorating mental health and deck-safety concerns.
Pentagon disputes reports
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected the criticism, saying conditions aboard the carrier have been “completely misrepresented”.
He said the military works to ensure that ships, crews and commanders receive the resources they need throughout their deployments.
The Lincoln is not the only US carrier to experience difficulties during an extended deployment. The USS Gerald R. Ford recently completed a 326-day deployment and also faced reported problems, including a laundry-room fire and issues with its sanitation systems.
Despite the concerns, Schroden said the Lincoln appeared capable of continuing its assigned missions.
However, he noted that prolonged time at sea inevitably increases the number of problems a ship experiences and makes life increasingly difficult for the people serving aboard it.
