I asked U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, what he was doing to help the USS Lincoln when sailors and family members shared what was happening onboard. I’m retired Air Force, deployed to Afghanistan — everyone will experience hardships during a deployment, but when they ask for help, we should respond.

I received his response after the USS Washington relieved USS Lincoln, and it made me mad. I responded directly to Kelly, but would like to share portions below.

In the letter, Kelly said, “The safe and effective rotation of our military forces is critical to maintaining operational readiness while ensuring that our sailors and soldiers have the resources, support and relief they need to carry out their missions.”

Why did they not have supplies? Supply bases were bombed at the start of the war in Iran so it shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone. Perhaps the firing of experienced flag officers could be a root cause?

I asked Kelly to respond with how many Pennsylvania residents are on USS Lincoln and USS Washington. If something bad happens — limited food, non-working plumbing, limited personal hygiene products — that makes sailors jump or try to jump overboard, that seems pretty bad and something our elected officials should look into, right?

He stated, “At the same time, I believe our nation has a responsibility to ensure that the men and women who serve on the front lines are properly equipped, supported and protected.”

So what are you doing? We’d like to know.

Kelly Smith,

Portersville