Sailors' families decry dire living conditions on carrier amid Iran conflict

Families of personnel serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln allege that the ship’s crew is surviving on a meager diet of half a cup of rice and two tortillas daily, while also coping with mold-infested showers and shortages of toothpaste, deodorant and soap. They say mental-health concerns are rising, citing at least two sailors who attempted to jump overboard, one of whom was rescued after an hour in the water. The carrier, home to roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, has been at sea for nine months with only two days ashore since its departure from San Diego, as the conflict with Iran drags on far beyond the original timeline.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected the claims as misrepresentations, and U.S. Central Command called the family-raised concerns “false claims,” confirming only a single overboard event on Aug. 3. The families continue to press for better supplies and mental-health resources, arguing that the lack of basic necessities hampers the crew’s ability to perform their duties.