Conditions aboard USS Lincoln 'exacerbated by decision to start Iran war,' senators tell Hegseth

Twelve US senators have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding "honest answers" regarding deteriorating conditions and a mental health crisis aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has been at sea for nearly 250 consecutive days since November 2025. The senators criticized Hegseth and President Trump, stating the situation was "preventable" and "exacerbated by the deeply unsound decision to start a war with Iran." They also demanded accountability and a timeline for the carrier's return, dismissing "denial and defensiveness" as unacceptable responses. The letter included 12 questions about the crew's well-being and living conditions. Separately, Senator Richard Blumenthal had previously sent a letter to Hegseth and Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao, requesting details on the extended deployment and how the Navy assesses crew morale and mental health. Footage allegedly showing "atrocious" bathroom conditions and text messages describing food shortages have also emerged from sailors onboard.