SAN DIEGO — Military families are pressing U.S. Navy leaders for action over reported mental health and living-condition concerns aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, as the aircraft carrier remains on an extended deployment in the Middle East and lawmakers demand greater accountability.
Families met with Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao in San Diego this week, raising concerns about the well-being of sailors aboard the carrier, according to reports of the meeting. The Lincoln has been deployed since November 2025 and has spent more than 240 days at sea without a port call, according to recent reporting.
Reports have described multiple incidents in which sailors allegedly attempted to go overboard, as well as shortages and problems involving food, hygiene supplies, water and mail. Those accounts have not been independently confirmed in full. The Navy has disputed claims of a rise in suicidal behavior among the crew.
The concerns have drawn congressional scrutiny. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has sought information from the Pentagon about conditions aboard the ship, including reported mental health problems and the effects of the prolonged deployment. Other lawmakers have also called for answers about sailor welfare and the sustainability of extended deployments.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday rejected reports portraying conditions aboard the Lincoln as broadly deteriorating, saying the accounts had “completely misrepresented” the situation. He said the Navy was providing support to personnel despite austere operating conditions.
The Navy maintains a range of mental health and suicide-prevention services for sailors and their families, including Fleet and Family Support Centers, confidential counseling and the Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life program, which provides intervention and follow-up for sailors identified with suicide-related behavior.
The Navy is also preparing for the USS George Washington to relieve the Lincoln as part of a carrier rotation, according to a U.S. official cited by Reuters and other reports. The Navy has not publicly provided a specific date for the Lincoln's return.
