Several US sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly attempted to jump overboard as the aircraft carrier continues an extended deployment in the Middle East, prompting renewed scrutiny of crew welfare and operational conditions.
According to reports by The Guardian, Stars and Stripes and Navy Times, the carrier’s nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines have spent approximately 250 consecutive days at sea after their deployment was extended beyond its original schedule. The vessel was initially expected to return in May but remained in the region following the escalation of the US military campaign linked to the war with Iran.
Military families have alleged that prolonged deployments and deteriorating living conditions have affected sailors’ mental wellbeing. Reports indicate that at least one sailor was prevented from jumping overboard by another crew member, while relatives said some personnel had expressed suicidal thoughts during the deployment.
At a town hall meeting in San Diego attended by Navy leadership, family members described repeated deployment extensions and accused officials of failing to communicate clearly. Concerns were also raised about living conditions aboard the carrier, including shortages of food and hygiene supplies, broken toilets and laundry facilities, mould, and long periods without hot water.
Democratic Congressman Mike Levin criticised the reported conditions, saying service members deserved access to basic necessities while deployed. He also criticised Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after the latter dismissed earlier reports about conditions aboard the ship.
The US Navy disputed claims that suicidal behaviour had increased aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. In a statement, Navy officials said they had not identified a rise in reported suicide attempts or suicidal ideation and maintained that sailors continued to have access to counsellors, chaplains, clean drinking water, functioning air conditioning and healthy meal options.
The USS Abraham Lincoln remains deployed as part of ongoing US military operations linked to the conflict with Iran. With no confirmed timeline for the carrier’s return, questions over the psychological impact of prolonged deployments and the welfare of service members are likely to remain under close public and political scrutiny.
