Kathmandu— The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier engaged in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, has faced increasingly dire conditions during its extended deployment. After leaving San Diego nearly nine months ago, the 5,000-person vessel is reportedly struggling with shortages of basic supplies like food and toiletries, alongside growing reports of crew exhaustion and mental health concerns—issues that have prompted outcry from families and demands for investigation from US lawmakers. The carrier has been in a combat environment for over 200 consecutive days, facing repeated claims from Iran of attempted attacks, while the Pentagon maintains it remains operational.

Deteriorating Conditions Aboard the Carrier

Crew members and their families have reported shortages extending beyond typical deployment discomforts. Complaints include a lack of essential items like toothpaste, deodorant, and soap, alongside issues with water access, broken toilets, unreliable laundry facilities, disrupted food supplies, and significant mail delays—with some care packages reportedly lost for months. Reports also detail mold, failing plumbing, and wear on the flight deck due to extensive use without sufficient repairs.

Crew Exhaustion and Mental Health Concerns

The prolonged deployment appears to be taking a toll on the crew’s well-being. One sailor was medically evaluated and removed from the ship after going overboard in what the Navy described as a mental health episode, according to CNN. The serviceman's wife, Annabelle Loma, told Navy Times that her husband had become emotionally exhausted and feared receiving a dishonorable discharge for being “burnt out.” Other family members have reported hearing accounts of extreme fatigue and despair, with one spouse claiming their husband expressed a wish not to wake up.

Iranian Claims of Attacks and Attritional Warfare

Iran has repeatedly claimed attacks on the USS Abraham Lincoln throughout the conflict. In March, Tehran announced firing ballistic missiles at the carrier—claims dismissed by CENTCOM as missing their target. Later reports alleged strikes from drones and missiles rendering the vessel inoperable, also denied by Washington. Iran appears to be employing a strategy of attritional warfare, aiming to wear down US forces and exert economic pressure, with officials stating preparedness for a “long war.”

Lawmaker Criticism and Pentagon Response

US lawmakers have expressed serious concerns regarding the situation aboard the Abraham Lincoln. Senator Richard Blumenthal raised questions about the ship’s ability to sustain operations in an open letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, while Senator Ruben Gallego has called for a congressional oversight visit. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer directly blamed Hegseth and demanded his removal, alleging incompetence. The Pentagon has dismissed reports of poor conditions as “completely misrepresented,” asserting that it provides crews with everything they need.

Replacement Carrier Deployed

The USS George Washington is now en route to the Middle East from Vietnam to relieve the Abraham Lincoln. This redeployment is expected to reduce the US military presence in the Pacific region amid ongoing tensions with China.

While the Pentagon maintains the Abraham Lincoln remains fully operational, its prolonged deployment has highlighted challenges in sustaining long-term operations and raised concerns about crew welfare.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.