US sailors endure dire conditions on Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier

Some sailors have reportedly tried throwing themselves into the sea, basic supplies can run short and sanitation is going awry: life on America’s giant Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is increasingly difficult as the Iran war drags on.

The ship – now in its ninth month of deployment – is expected to be replaced in the Middle East by another carrier, the George Washington, in a move sure to be welcomed by the Lincoln’s crew and their loved ones.

But concerns about conditions on the Lincoln have prompted lawmakers to demand answers from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who insists the situation has been “misrepresented”.

Jonathan Schroden, chief research officer at the Centre for Naval Analyses, said the warship’s sailors face significant challenges from their long time at sea.

“Even in peacetime conditions, the quarters are cramped, the workdays are long, the food is not great, and it’s difficult to get fresh air, exercise and even a decent night’s sleep,” Schroden said.

“Add to that the stress that comes with being involved in combat operations – in which your ship is constantly threatened – and you can see how difficult life becomes for these sailors,” he said.