Arizona's Sen. Gallego says there's 'deteriorating morale' on USS Abraham Lincoln

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego is among the lawmakers calling for greater oversight of a Navy aircraft carrier, following reports of mental health and supply issues.

The USS Lincoln has been supporting the U.S. war against Iran. Its total deployment has included more than 260 days at sea. Gallego, a Democrat, told NPR on Friday he’s in contact with a spouse of someone on the carrier.

NPR News

Sen. Ruben Gallego on handling of USS Lincoln conditions: 'That's not proper leadership'

Michel Martin, Majd Al-Waheidi

Lawmakers want answers from the Pentagon chief and the U.S. Navy about living conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona.

Listen • 5:13

"This is a gentleman who has years of experience. He's not someone that's wet behind the years, who is complaining of the worst deployment he’s ever been on," he said. "Of limited food or not even and fresh food. Hard working conditions, long hours, stressful hours, an environment that is deteriorating morale."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that descriptions of the conditions on the USS Lincoln are “completely misrepresented.”

The Navy is moving to replace the carrier with the USS Washington.