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Sailors Returning from USS Abraham Lincoln Describe Grueling Deployment, Some Consider Leaving Navy
After nearly 300 days at sea-the longest deployment in recent memory-more than 5,000 sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have finally reached shore, but many are expressing deep frustration and exhaustion. The aircraft carrier’s recent stop in Pattaya, Thailand, marked their first chance to set foot on land in nine months.
According to interviews conducted by MS NOW’s Priya Sridhar, who spoke with sailors during the port call, many described this deployment as the toughest of their careers. “Many of them told me this was in fact the worst deployment they have ever experienced,” Sridhar reported. Several sailors said they wished they could skip the port visit altogether and return home immediately.
Concerns are mounting that extended deployments like this could become more common amid ongoing tensions and military posturing related to U.S. policy toward Iran. Families of the sailors have also voiced worries, highlighting problems with poor living conditions on board, including food shortages, sanitation issues, broken plumbing, and widespread exhaustion.
The mental health impact has been significant, with reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard during the deployment. One sailor who made such an attempt is now reportedly facing disciplinary measures that could include a substantial pay reduction.
Many crew members say the experience has led them to reconsider their future in the Navy. Machinist’s Mate Lucas Shepardson, 24, aboard the USS Petersen, called the deployment a “deal breaker” for many, explaining, “People just realized they don’t want to do this for another 20 years.” Shepardson acknowledged that while food rations were reduced, he felt the amounts were still adequate.
However, not all sailors fared equally-one family member told BBC News that their relative lost 65 pounds during the deployment, underscoring the physical toll it has taken.
As the USS Abraham Lincoln’s crew finally returns to home ports, the Navy faces a pressing challenge to address the well-being and morale of its personnel after this unprecedented period at sea.