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Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln are reconsidering their naval careers after finally reaching shore following a grueling nine-month deployment. Along with crew members from the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., the Lincoln’s personnel docked in Thailand this week after what is being described as a record-setting mission.
Recent testimonies from service members reveal the immense challenges faced during the deployment, prompting many to question continuing in the Navy. Lucas Shepardson, 24, a machinist’s mate aboard the Petersen, told the Wall Street Journal that this deployment was a turning point.
“This deployment was a deal breaker for a lot of people,” he said. Shepardson plans to leave the Navy upon returning to Hawaii.
Reports that surfaced earlier highlighted food shortages, rationing, plumbing issues, and extreme fatigue aboard the Lincoln. Shepardson confirmed rationing was real but noted, “Yes, it was less, but it was definitely enough.”
In contrast, fellow sailor Michael Gonzalez shared that there were days he felt hungry. Three kitchen crew members also confirmed that supplies had to be carefully rationed to stretch resources during long periods when resupply was impossible.
Concerns about the harsh conditions extend beyond nutrition. Family members have reported significant weight loss in some sailors, with one relative noting a 65-pound drop since deployment began.
Mental health worries have also surfaced, with some sailors reportedly attempting to jump overboard. Families have described the relentless noise and vibration from ship engines and aircraft operations, leaving no respite day or night.
One sailor’s family member, speaking anonymously, shared the emotional toll: “There is never a moment of peace in your mind… It’s a constant vibration. Morning, noon, and night when you sleep, when you eat, when you shower.”
In response to these concerns, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao acknowledged the difficulties, stating last month, “Deployments are hard. Combat operations make them harder. War is hell and normal routines are disrupted… change and uncertainty will always be in play.”
A military study released in January 2025 highlighted that sailors aboard Navy ships experience the highest rates of serious psychological distress among all military branches. Contributing factors include poor living conditions, noise, and demanding schedules that limit rest.
Tragically, suicide remains a leading cause of death within the Navy and Marine Corps. Military data and Veterans Administration reports show higher suicide rates among veterans compared to the general population.
The USS Abraham Lincoln spent a total of 286 days at sea, including approximately 200 days in an active war zone, before docking in Thailand. While the USS Gerald R. Ford holds the record for the longest deployment at 11 months, the Lincoln’s minimal port visits meant its crew endured more continuous time at sea.
Despite the hardships, some sailors expressed in August that the deployment still felt “not nearly long enough,” reflecting the complex and demanding nature of their mission. As many now contemplate life beyond active duty, the Lincoln’s deployment sheds light on the profound challenges faced by those serving at sea in modern warfare.