The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy, has seen concerning incidents involving at least two sailors attempting to jump overboard. Family members cite these cases as indicative of wider issues during the prolonged deployment amidst the war with Iran.
Since November, the carrier has been stationed in the Middle East after departing the Pacific. The U.S. launched military actions against Tehran at the end of February. Relatives of about 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard have voiced worries about supply shortages and lengthy work hours, all contributing to fears regarding self-harm. These concerns have been documented in several reports over the last week.
In light of these issues, more than 200 family members met with Hung Cao, the acting Secretary of the Navy, last week. The meeting, reported by Stars and Stripes, was focused on addressing mental health and safety concerns. A subsequent virtual meeting included top Navy officials and relatives of the sailors and Marines threatened by these hardships.
During these discussions, Cao mentioned that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier group is set to replace the Lincoln at an undetermined time. Efforts are ongoing to alleviate the situation of those on board, though the timeline remains unclear.
Personal accounts highlight the severity of the matter. Annabelle Loma shared with the Navy Times the troubling experience of her husband attempting to jump overboard due to excessive strain. Another incident involved Maria Rodriguez’s husband, who managed to prevent a shipmate from doing the same, indicating the dire circumstances faced by the crew.
The Navy has responded to inquiries about the mental health situation, emphasizing their commitment to supporting servicemembers and their families. Ensuring that the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has necessary resources for safe and effective mission completion remains a priority.
The Pentagon awaits further comments, as Newsweek reached out via email outside official hours. More updates on this developing story are expected.