Multiple sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly attempted to go overboard as the aircraft carrier’s deployment stretches into its ninth month, prompting military families to raise urgent concerns about the crew’s mental health and well-being.
The roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier left San Diego on November 21 for what was initially planned as a Pacific deployment. The ship was later redirected to the Middle East in support of U.S. military operations involving Iran. The deployment was expected to end in May but has been extended without a publicly announced return date.
Families Press Navy Leaders for Answers
More than 200 family members attended meetings with Navy leadership in San Diego last week, expressing concerns about exhaustion, mental health, safety, food supplies, water, mail disruptions and the prolonged separation from their loved ones.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao attended an in-person meeting, while senior Navy officials participated in a separate virtual session later that evening.
Family members described sailors as increasingly exhausted and emotionally strained. One spouse reportedly said her husband had texted her that he hoped he would not wake up the following day.
Annabelle Loma told Military Times that her husband attempted to jump overboard and is now on medical hold. She said his deployment had repeatedly been extended.
“He’s scared,” Loma said, adding that he feared his 13-year career could be ruined because he was burned out.
In another reported incident, a sailor on watch intervened after seeing a shipmate preparing to go overboard. The sailor’s wife said he grabbed the individual and pulled them back onto the deck.
The Navy has not provided a specific number of sailors who have attempted to go overboard or engaged in self-harm during the deployment.
Concerns Extend to Ship Conditions
Families also raised concerns about conditions aboard the carrier, including food and water shortages, broken toilets, laundry problems and delays in receiving mail and care packages.
Navy officials acknowledged some logistical and plumbing problems but said efforts were underway to address them. Officials also said sailors have access to counselors, chaplains, medical professionals and other mental health resources.
Vice Adm. Joseph Cahill acknowledged the strain placed on sailors and their families.
“We hear you loud and clear,” Cahill said, according to reporting from the meeting, per MS NOW.
The carrier has spent an unusually long period at sea with few port visits, adding to concerns about exhaustion and morale.
Navy Preparing Relief Carrier
Cao told families that the Navy is preparing the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group to relieve the Lincoln in the Middle East. However, officials did not provide a timeline for the relief, citing operational security.
For families, the uncertainty has meant missing major milestones, including births, birthdays, funerals, and other important events.
Despite the concerns, Navy leaders praised the sailors and Marines aboard the Lincoln for continuing to perform their duties under difficult circumstances.
The Navy has said it continues to monitor the psychological readiness of the crew and provide support services. However, with the deployment continuing and no confirmed return date, families remain concerned about the prolonged strain on their loved ones.
