"Naval Sailor Dies in Brawl, Surge in Suicidal Thoughts? U.S. Military Responds 'It's All Fake News'"
On August 13 local time, the U.S. Central Command posted on social media that several media outlets had published "false reports" regarding the situation of the USS Lincoln during its deployment in the Middle East over the past 48 hours. One report claimed that "seven sailors died in a fight aboard the ship," while other reports suggested that "the number of sailors on board with suicidal thoughts has surged."
The U.S. Central Command stated that the USS Lincoln has maintained "one of the highest personnel re-enlistment rates (84.4%)" among all U.S. aircraft carriers. It has been deployed at sea for over 260 consecutive days, completed 10,000 flight missions, and dropped 1.5 million pounds of munitions. "There have been no military deaths on board," and "the sailor who fell overboard on August 3 has been quickly and safely rescued."
The USS Lincoln left its home port last November and was deployed to the Middle East in January before the U.S. and Israel went to war against Iran, participating in U.S. bombing operations against Iran and the current maritime blockade of Iran. Several U.S. media outlets reported on August 12 local time that "the harsh conditions aboard the Lincoln and the mental stress on the sailors have reached a critical point," with multiple incidents of sailors attempting to jump overboard to commit suicide.
According to U.S. officials on the 13th local time, the U.S. is preparing to deploy the USS George Washington to the Middle East to replace the USS Lincoln, which has faced scrutiny over living conditions and crew mental health. Officials stated that the rotation plan was developed before concerns were raised about the living conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. (CCTV reporter Zhu Lei)
U.S. Central Command refuted false reports claiming that 7 sailors died in a fight aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and that there was a rise in suicidal thoughts among the crew. The command emphasized the carrier's high personnel retention rate and its extensive operational history. Additionally, the U.S. is set to deploy the USS George Washington to replace the Lincoln amid concerns over crew conditions.
- U.S. Central Command refuted claims of 7 sailors dying in a fight aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.
- Reports of increased suicidal thoughts among sailors were labeled as false.
- USS Abraham Lincoln has a high personnel retention rate of 84.4%.
- The carrier has been deployed for over 260 days and conducted 10,000 flight operations.
- The U.S. is preparing to deploy USS George Washington to replace USS Abraham Lincoln.