Food Shortages and Broken Toilets Raise Concerns Aboard US Warship

The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for more than 250 days amid the war with Iran. The prolonged deployment has reportedly led to shortages of food and essential supplies, broken toilets and pipelines, and severe fatigue among sailors. Relatives have also claimed that some sailors attempted to jump overboard.

According to the BBC, nearly 5,000 people are aboard the carrier. US lawmakers have demanded answers from the Defense Department over reports of poor conditions. Complaints include contaminated water, laundry disruptions, shortages of hygiene products, lack of hot water, and growing concerns about sailors’ mental health.

Earlier this month, a sailor fell overboard and was rescued by a helicopter. The Navy said it had no information indicating an increase in suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts among the crew. However, officials acknowledged that the war had disrupted traditional supply routes and said food and essential supplies were being prioritized.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as misleading. Meanwhile, members of Congress are calling for an investigation and an on-site inspection of the carrier. The prolonged deployment has renewed concerns about the physical and mental strain on US sailors.