Families Warn of Food Shortages and Low Morale on Two U.S. Carriers
Relatives of sailors on the USS George H.W. Bush say the ship has run out of basic supplies after more than four months at sea, echoing earlier reports of morale problems on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Loved ones of sailors aboard the USS George H.W. Bush reported to a journalist at one outlet that the carrier, now in the Arabian Sea, has been at sea for 146 days with virtually no food, water or soap, creating a bleak atmosphere among the crew. The ship left Norfolk, Virginia, in March and has not yet docked, prompting family members to describe the situation as heartbreaking.
Earlier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, on a separate Middle East patrol, reached a record 266 days at sea, with reports of sailors attempting or succeeding in going overboard and severe shortages of fresh provisions. Military outlets Stars and Stripes and Navy one outlet documented these incidents, and images of deteriorating rations have circulated online. The Pentagon declined to comment, and the U.S. Navy did not reply to a request for comment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the claims as “fake news,” while other military officials indicated the Lincoln will be replaced by the USS George Washington. No official response has been provided by the Navy regarding the conditions on the Bush.
Why it matters
Sustained supply shortages and low morale on active carriers could affect U.S. naval readiness and crew welfare.
How this story developed
- Aug 12 Sailors on USS Abraham Lincoln Face Rising Suicide Attempts Amid Prolonged Iran Conflict
- Aug 13 Senate Democrats have formally requested answers from defense officials about the carrier’s conditions.
- Aug 13 President Donald Trump issued a memorandum ordering the Navy to restore steam catapult systems for the upcoming USS Doris Miller, despite resistance from senior officers.
- Aug 14 USS George Washington began sailing toward the Middle East to take over the carrier strike group role from USS Abraham Lincoln.
- Aug 14 Kelly publicly criticized the catapult reversal.
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