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Defense Secretary Addresses Aircraft Carrier Conditions as Navy Deploys USS George Washington and Trump Orders Design Changes
Just the facts
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to defense leadership requesting an accounting of conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln following reports that sailors experienced supply shortages, water contamination, and severe mental health strain after more than 240 days at sea without a port call. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that conditions on the carrier were misrepresented and affirmed that the Pentagon provides adequate support to deployed crews. Meanwhile, the Navy deployed the aircraft carrier USS George Washington from the Pacific toward the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Navy to discontinue electromagnetic aircraft launch systems on future carriers and return to steam-powered catapult technology.
Why this is news
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to congressional inquiries regarding reported mental health and supply issues on the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln as the Navy ordered the USS George Washington to the Middle East. President Donald Trump also directed the Pentagon to revert future aircraft carrier designs from electromagnetic launch systems back to steam catapults.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.