Families of USS Abraham Lincoln sailors criticize President Trump's deployment remarks
Relatives of crew members on the USS Abraham Lincoln condemned President Trump's comment that the ship's deployment was not long enough, citing reports of supply shortages and mental-health concerns aboard the vessel.
Families of sailors serving on the nuclear-powered carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have denounced President Donald Trump's remark that the ship's deployment was "not nearly long enough." The carrier has been at sea for close to nine months, and a defense official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, told NPR that the USS George Washington is on its way to relieve the Lincoln.
The president made the comment after reporters asked whether the deployment had become excessive. His statement came amid media reports of food shortages, plumbing failures and deteriorating mental health among crew members, including unverified claims that some sailors attempted to jump overboard.
Karen Bramlett, whose grandson serves on the ship, said he reports feeling physically fine but depressed, and expressed frustration that his aspirations have been affected by the prolonged deployment. "Donald Trump needs to be ashamed of himself to let them suffer the way that they're doing," she said.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung-C. Cao issued a statement saying the mission was extended because of the conflict with Iran and that only a small number of mental-health cases required treatment, with no loss of life. He added that meal plans were adjusted when fresh resupply was unavailable and that calls home were limited only when operational threats were high. Cao described the crew as "the epitome of American strength and resilience" and said they have been pushed to their limits but have not broken.
Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) called for a bipartisan congressional visit to the ship and criticized the Pentagon's handling of the deployment as lacking proper leadership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described media reports about conditions on the carrier as "misrepresented" and affirmed the United States could maintain an indefinite naval blockade of Iran.
Former Navy helicopter pilot Julie Roland warned that roughly 5,000 sailors returning from the Lincoln may face mental-health challenges and urged the government to provide support during their transition back to civilian life.