U-S Senator Blumenthal on San Diego based U-S-S Lincoln

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Everybody knows these are very demanding stressful jobs, and so the metal impact and the potential trauma for the future is very concerning. We're speaking with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal right here on San Diego's Morning News. You know, you talk about demanding fixes. How do you demand fixes when the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, says there's nothing wrong with the USS Abraham Lincoln? There are a lot of people who find that answer almost a betrayal of trust. for the Secretary of Defense, or he calls himself the Secretary of War, to be so dismissive about legitimate and powerful complaints that have come to us not only through the voices and faces of those sailors, but their parents. There was a meeting recently in San Diego, reported by Stars and Stripes where parents aired the... feelings and complaints of what they are hearing from their sons and daughters and spouses. There is a. powerful truth here that cannot be denied. And the military's attempt to dismiss it or conceal it simply will not be accepted. We're talking serious, you know, mental health issues if crew members are allegedly going overboard just to get away from the conditions on side, correct? Correct. And, you know, it's not only... the incident of one of the crew members going overboard. But it is the daily grind of 24 seven, seven days a week, 200 or 250 days at sea to be in combat under these conditions, to be responsible for landing these. jet fighters under the most stressful and strenuous conditions and maintaining them, making sure they're repaired, providing the recon and the surveillance that's necessary to send off missile and drone attacks. There have been hundreds of them against the Abraham Lincoln. It is the most kind of demanding environment, and these sailors have been in it. for months without any relief. So now the USS Washington is going to replace the Abraham Lincoln. But remember, we're taking the George Washington away from Japan, where it is the forward most aircraft carrier responsible for defense in the far east. Under China's nose, China's watching, and they are seeing that America is less safe because of this war. And let me just say, whatever you think about the war, these sailors have performed with extraordinary skill and dedication. You know, it's a truism. We articulate it and we repeated on the Armed Services Committee hundreds of times that our most important asset is our men and women are.

sailors and airmen and Marines and soldiers and Coast Guard men and women. And we ought to be more respectful about their well-being. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is our guest on San Diego's Morning News. What would you want to say to those military members and their families who are listening to San Diego's Morning News right now? We're going to be in your corner. We're going to fight for your sons and daughters and spouses. at sea right now, your brothers and sisters, because they are the most important asset we have in our national defense. We have a lot of fancy hardware and bright, shiny objects and technology. It's all really important, and we ought to be investing in it, but your loved ones and friends are what make our military the strongest and greatest in the world and the betrayal of trust. that is indicated by the failure to provide basic necessities and make sure your care packages are delivered. You know, a stale cookie and a care package can be worth its weight in gold. I know as a dad of a Marine who was in Afghanistan, a Marine Corps infantry officer and another son who was in Navy SEAL. I was in the Marine Corps Reserves myself, not anywhere in combat. This kind of obligation, duty, trust by the Pentagon must be fulfilled. We're going to have hearings. I'm going to enlist my colleagues and we want to hear from you. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today. Thank you, Senator. Thank you. Take care. What's going on, everyone? It's Bluff here, and you know what's more American than America's 250th birthday? Supporting American-owned companies like SpinQuest. America's number one social casino with over 1,000 games like Live Dealer Blackjack and Craps. They're offering new users a $30 coin package for just $10. Go to SpinQuest.com and sign up today. SpinQuest is a free-to-play social casino. Avoid where prohibited. Visit spendquest.com for more details. Vital doesn't always mean visible. Across America, advanced technology is working behind the scenes, strengthening our nation. It protects our war fighters, delivers mission-ready intelligence, advances life-saving healthcare, and defends the critical infrastructure that keeps our country moving. At GDIT, we power the systems that help America operate, connect, and stay secure. Every hour, every mission, every day. GDIT, behind America's invisible advantage. Got plans this summer? A brewery crawl? Another lake trip? The same festival you've been to three times already? Do something different. This August, Virginia International Raceway becomes the ultimate summer destination. Watch EMS's Michelin G.T. Challenge at VIR. August 21 through 23rd brings some of the fastest sports cars to battle through VIR's legendary corners. Camp with friends. Enjoy live music and experience a weekend you'll actually be talking about afterward. Start planning now at govir.net.