Trump downplays concerns over record-long deployment for USS Abraham Lincoln sailors amid mental health worries
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over a record-long deployment for sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- The aircraft carrier's nearly nine-month deployment has raised worries about sailors' mental health and supply issues.
- Reports indicate multiple sailors have attempted to jump overboard, with one succeeding in early August.
President Donald Trump on Friday downplayed concerns regarding the extended deployment of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, stating the nearly nine-month tour is "not nearly long enough." His comments came as anxieties grow over the mental well-being and supply chain issues affecting the 5,000 personnel on the aircraft carrier, which has been supporting U.S. operations in the Middle East. Trump made the remarks to reporters before heading to New York for an event focused on declining crime rates.
That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it’s being replaced with another very similar ship.
When asked about the lengthy deployment and potential worries from family members, Trump asserted, "No, they're not [worried]." This statement contrasts sharply with reports from military families and members of Congress who have highlighted a worsening mental health crisis among the crew. The Lincoln's deployment is linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran, and naval blockades have been reimposed on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a recent calming of hostilities.
No, they're not.
Concerns have been amplified by reports in specialist military publications, Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, detailing multiple instances of sailors attempting to go overboard due to extreme stress and poor conditions. One such attempt in early August was confirmed by a U.S. official, who stated the sailor was rescued and received medical treatment. Families have voiced their distress at town hall meetings, with one spouse reportedly sharing her husband's text expressing a lack of hope for the next day.
The sailor was quickly recovered by an air wing search and rescue helicopter, treated by Abraham Lincoln’s medical department, and transferred off ship for follow-on care.
The U.S. Navy has stated it has not observed an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts on the ship, but declined to release specific data, citing operational security and patient privacy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has characterized the reported conditions as "completely misrepresented." Meanwhile, another carrier, the USS George Washington, is expected to relieve the Lincoln in the Middle East, as the U.S. maintains its stance on the Iranian ports.
not observed an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts aboard the ship
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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