As the USS George Washington aircraft carrier heads to the Middle East, it brings attention to the living conditions aboard U.S. Navy ships. The USS Abraham Lincoln, stationed in the Middle East, will see its crew relieved by the Washington. This move leaves the U.S. without a carrier in Asia, an area of strategic interest to counter China’s growing military presence.
Concerns about the Lincoln’s conditions have arisen after reports from family members and personnel on board highlighted serious issues. These include plumbing problems, low morale, unreliable water supplies, and food shortages. The Lincoln, originally expected to return to San Diego in May, remains at sea due to its extended deployment.
Footage has surfaced showing mold around toilets and dirty pipes on the Lincoln. The U.S. Navy is actively investigating these claims.
In a separate incident, the USS Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer, lost power in late July while in the South China Sea. During this period, the crew lacked access to essential facilities, including toilets and air conditioning, impacting their drinking water supplies as well.
Amidst these challenges, the U.S. 5th Fleet denied reports of low supplies of feminine hygiene products on the USS Boxer, which is operating in the Middle East. The USS Boxer is an amphibious assault ship critical for moving troops and aircraft.
The Navy’s stretched resources and extensive global operations are a consequence of protracted conflicts, including tensions with Tehran. The shipbuilding industry in the U.S. faces delays, high costs, and labor shortages. This has hindered the construction of new vessels and the maintenance of existing ones.
The redeployment of the USS Washington comes when Beijing’s naval fleet surpasses the U.S. in the number of ships. However, there is limited open-source information about living conditions on Chinese ships. State media indicates some Chinese vessels have improved facilities. Chinese premier Xi Jinping has directed improvements in living conditions aboard military ships.
Living conditions on navy ships depend heavily on logistics and the ship’s age. Smaller or aging ships tend to have cramped environments. The USS George Washington’s recent maintenance and China’s flourishing shipbuilding contrast with the U.S., which produced only five large merchant ships in 2024. China’s advantage in shipbuilding is significant, with over 300 shipyards producing large numbers of vessels.
The U.S. acknowledges problems within its shipbuilding sector, describing it as atrophied. New strategies aim to manage the limited fleet but face persistent challenges, including inadequate maintenance capacity and spare parts shortages. The GAO notes that maintenance backlogs are poised to worsen in the coming decades, impacting aircraft carriers and submarines.
Experts note the mental health impacts on sailors due to extended deployments. Lack of communication with families, uncertain deployment lengths, and cramped conditions add stress. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery and others highlight that prolonged assignments without clear end dates can demotivate crews.
Longer U.S. carrier deployments are becoming more common. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about extended deployments. Reports about the Lincoln’s conditions were contested by officials, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissing them as misrepresentations. President Trump stated the Lincoln hadn’t been deployed for an excessive duration.
Despite official investigations finding no evidence of a mental health crisis on the Lincoln, naval leadership remains committed to crew well-being. Long deployments are recognized as stressful, prompting efforts from military officials like Admiral Brad Cooper to prioritize crew health.
The U.S. Navy’s operations are compared to China’s more localized naval activity, where shorter stints at sea are typical. However, China is developing logistics for extended overseas operations. Studies on Chinese navy personnel found long deployments correlated with increased mental and physical health issues, including insomnia.