Lawmakers demand answers on USS Lincoln conditions as reports emerge of sailors attempting to jump overboard

Lawmakers demand answers as concerns were raised about worsening mental health among sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CNN) Several Democratic lawmakers are calling for answers after concerns were raised by families of sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln about the deteriorating living conditions and worsening mental health during the ships record-breaking deployment amid the war with Iran.Since the Lincoln left its home port of San Diego last November, the aircraft carrier has been deployed for more than 250 days after being redirected to the Middle East to support US operations in the war with Iran, now entering its sixth month. With more than 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, it has not made a port call in more than 200 days, setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Sen.

Richard Blumenthal.News outlets Stars and Stripes and the Navy Times reported this week that there had been multiple attempts by crew members to jump overboard, citing interviews with sailors and families of those on board who described the impacts of the lengthy deployment.On Wednesday, Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut and a member of the Armed Services Committee, wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Acting Secretary of the Navy to express serious concern about the increasing length of deployments and demand answers about living conditions aboard the carrier.There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, aboard the ship, he said in the letter, as well as disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months.According to both media outlets, around 200 family members of Lincoln crew members voiced concerns over mental health and safety conditions to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and other senior officials during town hall meetings last Thursday in San Diego.During the town hall, a spouse tearfully told officials that she received a message that same day from her husband saying he hopes he doesnt wake up tomorrow, Stars and Stripes reported, citing one of the attendees.Among the other concerns raised were reports of a lack of supplies, food shortages, water contamination and mail system disruptions, according to MS NOW, which reviewed audio and video recordings of the meeting.In one meeting, Vice Adm. Joseph Cahill, commander of Naval Surface Forces, acknowledged the strain on sailors …