Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are enduring food shortages, broken laundry facilities, and depleted ship stores after spending more than 260 days deployed to the Middle East, according to military families who contacted NBC San Diego.

Unprecedented Deployment Takes Its Toll

The San Diego-based aircraft carrier has broken naval records with more than 200 continuous days at sea, punctuated by only two brief port calls during the nine-month deployment. Nicole Conrad, whose son serves on the carrier, reported that crew members have faced severe food rationing. Her son told her he survived at times on half a cup of rice and two tortillas per meal. The 5,000 crew members have also gone without hot water for extended periods and waited over an hour at ship stores only to find basic items like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant out of stock.

Navy veteran Brett Snow, father of another Lincoln sailor, emphasized the extraordinary nature of these conditions. While acknowledging that military service involves hardship, he noted that even ground troops sleeping in muddy conditions do not typically endure such deprivation for nine straight months without relief.

Safety Concerns Mount With Extended Operations

The prolonged deployment raises operational safety questions as crew members reportedly work 12 to 16-hour shifts with no days off while conducting combat operations. The carrier’s flight deck has handled more than 10,000 aircraft sorties over eight months, launching air strikes on Iran. Carrier flight decks rank among the most dangerous workplaces in the military under normal circumstances. Combined with extended work hours, supply shortages, and a twice-extended deployment, veterans warn the situation could compromise both retention and safety.

Pentagon Acknowledges Challenges, Defends Readiness

Commander Joseph Hontz, spokesperson for the Navy’s 5th Fleet, confirmed the demanding nature of the deployment but defended the ship’s operational capability. He stated the crew remains resilient and ready to accomplish any assigned task, noting that repair teams have addressed expected wear and tear on equipment. Senator Richard Blumenthal has requested answers from the Pentagon regarding the extended deployment. Military families emphasize their loved ones remain committed to the mission but want the government to prioritize resupplying basic necessities and rotating troops. Bonnie York, mother of a Lincoln sailor, called for better resupply operations and crew rotation to provide relief. Parents pointed to discussions about restocking weapon systems while basic supplies for service members receive less attention.