The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days, setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea. The aircraft carrier has been supporting U.S. operations in the war with Iran, and the prolonged deployment is taking a toll on the mental health of its sailors.

Mental Health Concerns

Several Democratic lawmakers are calling for answers after concerns were raised by families of sailors about the deteriorating living conditions and worsening mental health during the ship’s deployment. News outlets have reported multiple attempts by crew members to jump overboard, citing interviews with sailors and families of those on board who described the impacts of the lengthy deployment.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut and a member of the Armed Services Committee, wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Acting Secretary of the Navy to express “serious concern” about the increasing length of deployments and demand answers about living conditions aboard the carrier.

According to reports, around 200 family members of Lincoln crew members voiced concerns over mental health and safety conditions to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and other senior officials during town hall meetings in San Diego.

Living Conditions

The sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln are facing shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, and deteriorating mental health. The ship has not made a port call in over 200 days, and the crew is struggling with exhaustion and declining morale.

Rep. Mike Levin of California referenced the meeting in a post, saying families described “moldy showers, broken toilets, no hot water for weeks, meals that came down to half a cup of rice and two tortillas.”

The U.S. Navy has stated that it has not observed an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts aboard the ship, but the situation remains a concern for lawmakers and families of the sailors.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.