Hegseth dismisses claims of poor conditions on USS Abraham Lincoln as US Senate demands inquiry

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has categorically rejected reports detailing poor living conditions and mental health strain aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, describing the allegations as "completely misrepresented." The dismissal comes as the carrier continues its extended deployment in the Persian Gulf, where it has spent over eight months at sea, including a record-breaking 250 consecutive days without docking.

Hegseth made the comments during a visit to Panama on Thursday, defending the service of the 5,000-strong crew amid operations related to what the Trump White House has termed "Operation Epic Fury." He stated that the department ensures every ship and captain receives necessary support, expressing "more respect and gratitude" for sailors operating in austere conditions with limited port calls.

The controversy follows extensive reporting by the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, which cited family members and crew regarding food rationing, water contamination, plumbing failures, and deteriorating morale. One sailor reportedly recounted an incident where watchstanders had to intervene to prevent a crewmember from jumping overboard. While some issues such as mail delivery have reportedly improved, the reports highlight a persistent demand for a definitive date home.

In response to the allegations, US Senators Ruben Gallego and Richard Blumenthal have called for an official bipartisan Senate oversight visit to investigate the conditions. Senator Gallego, who previously criticised the administration's handling of the conflict with Iran, argued that Congress must hold the administration accountable. Senator Blumenthal echoed these concerns, citing widespread reports of basic supply shortages and deck safety concerns that require immediate naval accounting.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, which departed San Diego in November for a Pacific deployment before being rerouted to the Middle East, has completed 40 days of continuous combat operations in the US Fifth Fleet area. The USS George Washington, having departed Vietnam earlier this week, is reportedly en route to the region to relieve the Lincoln. Meanwhile, Hegseth affirmed that the US Navy could maintain its blockade of Iranian ports indefinitely through ship rotations, a stance supported by President Donald Trump’s claim of "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran continues to dispute.