Families of US Navy sailors furious: 'I think I'll die on this ship'

Families of sailors aboard the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, who have been on active duty for 260 days in the war against Iran, confronted acting Navy Secretary Hong Cao in a heated meeting in San Diego. They demanded answers about food shortages, water contamination, mail disruptions, and mental health issues. Navy commanders acknowledged logistical difficulties following Iranian attacks on Bahrain. Some of the anger stems from political opposition to the war, including accusations of killing innocent civilians.

Families of sailors serving on the American aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, which has been on active duty for 260 days as part of the war against Iran, are furious over the harsh service conditions. In a stormy face-to-face confrontation on Thursday night in San Diego, about 200 family members demanded answers from acting Navy Secretary Hong Cao amid food shortages, water contamination, mail system disruptions, and harm to sailors' mental health. In a separate virtual meeting with families of the 5,000 sailors and Marines, similar concerns were raised. Navy commanders, Vice Admiral Joseph Cahill and Vice Admiral Douglas Verissimo, admitted to supply chain difficulties following Iranian attacks on Bahrain that disabled the logistics hub. They said the Navy prioritizes food, then hygiene products, and only then mail. Some of the anger also stems from political opposition to the war; one woman accused the military of killing innocent civilians, which drew applause. The aircraft carrier set a modern record for consecutive days at sea, and its deployment was extended for a second time.