WASHINGTON — Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are expressing concern over President Trump’s comments regarding the ship’s extended deployment. A defense official speaking to NPR stated that the USS George Washington is set to replace the USS Lincoln, which has been at sea for almost nine months.
During an inquiry by reporters on Friday about the length of the USS Lincoln’s deployment, Trump responded, “No, not nearly long enough.” The comments follow reports of food shortages, plumbing problems, and declining mental health among crew members. Some reports, not independently verified by NPR, indicate that sailors may have attempted to jump overboard.
Karen Bramlett, whose grandson is aboard the ship, spoke to NPR, requesting anonymity to protect him from potential backlash. She communicates with him weekly via Instagram and shared that while he is maintaining his mental health, he has become despondent. “He’s saying he’s good mentally and physically, thank God,” Bramlett said. “But he’s just depressed. With the conditions over there, you really can’t blame him.”
Bramlett described her grandson as having dreamed of joining the Navy, but now feels dispirited, wanting to complete his service. “Those dreams have been shattered,” she remarked. “Donald Trump needs to be ashamed of himself to let them suffer the way that they’re doing. They’re over there fighting for our country. And this is the thanks they get? They can’t even get help from him or his administration.”
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Chao stated on Friday that the USS Lincoln’s mission was extended due to tensions with Iran. He acknowledged some mental health issues among crew members, remarking, “It is also true— a small number of mental health cases were treated with no loss of life.” Chao noted adjustments in meal plans when fresh supplies were unavailable, ensuring no meals were missed. Communication home was restricted when operational risks were elevated. He praised the sailors as “the epitome of American strength and resilience,” recognizing their fatigue but affirming their unwavering resolve.
Calls for Investigation
Democrats are urging the Pentagon to investigate and take responsibility for the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), speaking to NPR’s Morning Edition, accused the Trump administration of lacking a plan. “They’re just kind of winging it right now,” Gallego said, criticizing the Pentagon’s approach to the deployment.
Gallego mentioned conversations with crew members and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. “We are able to talk to a lot of these sailors,” he shared. “We are able to talk to their spouses. And this is why I think it’s important they allow us a bipartisan group of members of the House and the Senate to go and visit these sailors—something that has happened before—to make sure that we know that they’re doing well and that the secretary of defense is not lying to us.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth countered media reports, claiming they misrepresent the situation and asserted that the U.S. could indefinitely maintain a naval blockade on Iran. Julie Roland, a former Navy helicopter pilot, called for attention to the roughly 5,000 sailors returning from the USS Lincoln.
“I don’t think anybody wants to be stuck in their office for 200 days without being able to see their friends or family no matter how good your job is,” Roland commented. “Some people do really struggle with the mental health of just transitioning from life on board to coming back home. When they return, we have to embrace them and take care of whatever might be the residual effects of having gone through this.”