The Pentagon is pushing back on reports of mental health concerns and supply shortages aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier supporting the war with Iran. The ship has been at sea for more than 260 days nonstop, setting a new record.

Pentagon Response

U.S. Central Command declined to discuss ship schedules for security reasons, but CENTCOM condemned reports about poor conditions aboard the Lincoln in a social media post on Thursday night. CENTCOM said reports suggesting that there has been a spike in suicidal ideation are “FALSE.”

No service members aboard the aircraft carrier have died, and the one Sailor who fell overboard Aug. 3 was quickly and safely recovered, according to CENTCOM. The Navy acknowledged that combat conditions have disrupted its ability to access traditional supply hubs in the Middle East.

Leadership prioritized mission-critical supplies: first food, then hygiene items, then mail, the statement continued, adding that sailors now have access to clean water and “healthy” meals.

Democratic Response

Democrats like Sen. Richard Blumenthal are demanding more detailed answers on what’s being done to support sailors. “Widespread reports of supply shortages, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health and more demand immediate attention,” Blumenthal wrote on social media.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. military can maintain its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz “indefinitely” by rotating ships in and out of the region.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.