US sailors trying to jump overboard amid extended Middle East deployment: Report
The roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier have spent 250 consecutive days at sea Families flag 'broken trust' US Navy disputes claim Sailors
The roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier have spent 250 consecutive days at sea Families flag 'broken trust' US Navy disputes claim Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly attempted to jump overboard amid mounting mental health concerns and an extended Middle East deployment, with military families and US lawmakers warning that conditions aboard the aircraft carrier are reaching a breaking point.The roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier have spent 250 consecutive days at sea, in what Navy Times and Stars and Stripes have described as an unusually gruelling deployment. The ship was originally scheduled to return in May but has remained in the region as the US continues military operations linked to the war with Iran.According to reports cited by The Guardian and The Hill, there have been multiple incidents involving sailors considering or attempting to jump overboard. At least one crew member was prevented from doing so by another sailor, while families have also reported concerns over suicidal thoughts among those aboard.At a town hall meeting in San Diego attended by around 200 family members last Thursday, relatives raised their concerns directly with Navy leadership, including acting Navy secretary Hung Cao and senior naval commanders.
One spouse told officials that her husband had texted her that day saying âhe hopes he doesnât wake up tomorrow.âAnother family member accused Navy leadership of having âbroken trust between us and the leadershipâ, according to Stars and Stripes.Annabelle Loma told Navy Times that her husband had attempted to jump overboard after his deployment was repeatedly extended. âHeâs scared. He thinks heâll get a dishonorable discharge, and just because he was burnt out his 13-year career is ruined, just like that,â she said.The Lincoln left San Diego on November 21 for what was initially planned as a Pacific deployment, but was redirected towards the Middle East after the war with Iran began. The ship has reportedly had only two days ashore during the deployment, in Guam in December and Oman in July.Families and sailors have also raised concerns about living conditions aboard the carrier, including food and water shortages, broken toilets and laundry facilities, mould and long periods without hot water. Democratic congressman Mike Levin described conditions as âmoldy showers, broken toilets, laundry down for weeks, long stretches with no hot water, a meal that came down to half a cup of rice and two tortillas.
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