U.S. "Lincoln" Aircraft Carrier Stays at Sea for 250 Days, Crew Members Experience Mental Breakdown
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has been deployed in the Middle East due to the conflict with Iran and has been at sea for over 8 months, during which it has not docked for 250 consecutive days. The deployment has been extended multiple times with no end in sight, and the morale of the approximately 5,000 crew members is low. Coupled with poor living conditions, several individuals have experienced mental breakdowns and attempted to jump overboard.
According to a report by the U.S. Navy Times on the 12th, Annabelle Loma's husband is one of the crew members who attempted to jump overboard. His time at sea has been continuously extended, and he is currently on sick leave aboard the ship. After his failed attempt, he and Loma have only communicated a few times. Loma said, "He is very scared and thinks he will be discharged from the military just because he is exhausted; his 13-year career is ruined like this."
The report also mentioned that two other individuals attempted to jump overboard unsuccessfully, and many crew members have been feeling low and exhausted when contacting their relatives.
The U.S. Navy has not disclosed the exact number of crew members aboard the Lincoln who have attempted to jump overboard or self-harm, but the U.S. Stars and Stripes reported on the 11th that based on interviews with several active-duty crew members and their relatives, along with information from social media, multiple crew members have reported suicidal thoughts.
The Guardian in the UK sought comments from the U.S. Navy regarding the crew members of the Lincoln attempting to jump overboard on the 12th. An unnamed Navy official responded after the report was published, stating that they are aware of the immense pressure prolonged deployments place on active-duty service members and their families, but "based on the information available to the command, there has not been an increase in reports of suicidal thoughts or attempts aboard the ship."
According to reports, the Lincoln left San Diego Naval Base in California on November 21 last year, originally planned to be deployed to the Pacific, but was redirected to the Middle East in January this year to support the U.S. government's ongoing pressure on Iran and participate in large-scale military operations against Iran. During this time, the ship's personnel only disembarked for one day in Guam and Oman in December last year and July this year, respectively. The deployment was originally scheduled to end in May but has been extended multiple times due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. (Reporter: Haiyang; Video: Zhang Miao)
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the Middle East for over 250 days without returning to port, leading to significant mental health issues among its approximately 5000 crew members. Reports indicate multiple suicide attempts and a general decline in morale, prompting concerns about the impact of extended deployments. The Navy has acknowledged the situation but maintains that there has been no increase in reported suicide attempts on board.
- USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days without a port call.
- Approximately 5000 crew members are experiencing low morale and mental health issues.
- Several crew members have attempted suicide or expressed suicidal thoughts.
- The deployment was originally planned to end in May but has been extended due to ongoing military operations against Iran.
- The Navy acknowledges the pressure on personnel but claims no increase in reported suicide attempts.