Kathmandu— United States lawmakers have intensified calls for a probe into the conditions on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, raising concerns about the length of its deployment and reports of strain on crew members amid military operations against Venezuela and in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran since departing San Diego, California, in November; the ship has surpassed the US Navy’s record for longest deployment without a port call, exceeding 260 days at sea, prompting questions about planning and resource allocation within the Department of Defense.

Record-Breaking Deployment Fuels Concerns

The USS Abraham Lincoln recently broke the U.S. Navy's record for the longest deployment without a stop, having been at sea for over 260 days as part of ongoing military operations; reports have surfaced in recent weeks detailing crew members attempting to jump overboard and shortages of essential supplies, raising alarms among congressional Democrats.

Congressional Pressure Mounts

US Representative Pat Ryan led 22 members of Congress in sending a letter to acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao on August 14th, noting that lengthy deployments “have become a pattern” in the administration’s handling of the war against Iran; this followed similar appeals from California lawmakers Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, who called for an inquiry into the situation, as well as a separate letter dated August 15th addressed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers and accountability.

Administration Defends Deployment

President Donald Trump and his defense officials have downplayed reports regarding conditions on the USS Lincoln, with Secretary Hegseth calling them “completely misrepresented” and President Trump stating the vessel had not been deployed “nearly long enough”; Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, visited the ship recently and praised the crew’s resilience while acknowledging that service at sea for extended periods is challenging.

Strategic Implications of Fleet Realignment

The USS Lincoln's impending return to the United States coincides with the rerouting of the USS George Washington from the Pacific Ocean to replace it, leaving no aircraft carrier currently stationed in the Western Pacific; this shift raises questions about U.S. strategic interests in the region and its ability to counter China’s territorial ambitions.

Bipartisan Concerns Emerge

While most members of Trump’s Republican Party have remained largely silent on the reports, Representative Don Bacon expressed concern during a recent interview, stating, “We should have oversight.”; Democrats argue that the situation is a result of poor planning and an unsound decision to initiate conflict with Iran, emphasizing the real consequences for servicemembers.

The USS Lincoln is expected to return to the US soon, but lawmakers continue to press for answers regarding the conditions on board and whether systemic issues within the Navy contributed to the challenges faced by its crew.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.