At least two sailors from the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln attempted to jump overboard, say family members of the crew. This comes amid concerns during a prolonged deployment related to the conflict with Iran.
The carrier has been in operation since November, transitioning from the Pacific to the Middle East in preparation for U.S. military actions against Tehran, launched in February. With more than 5,000 sailors and Marines on the vessel for over eight months, families have voiced worries about supply issues, extended working hours, and mental health risks.
Last week, over 200 relatives of the ship’s crew met with Hung Cao, the acting Secretary of the Navy. Stars and Stripes, a specialist media outlet, reported on the meeting. A second virtual session between senior Navy officials and the crew’s families also addressed mental health and safety concerns, according to recordings seen by MS NOW.
Cao mentioned that the USS Abraham Lincoln will eventually be relieved by the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier group, though no specific timeline was given.
Annabelle Loma shared with the Navy Times that her husband attempted to jump overboard during this deployment due to being overworked. In another incident, Maria Rodriguez stated that her husband had to prevent a shipmate from going overboard.
In response to these events, the Navy emphasized to Stars and Stripes the importance of “listening to our families, supporting our servicemembers, and ensuring the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has the resources needed to safely and successfully accomplish its mission.”
The Pentagon has been contacted for further commentary outside of business hours.
This situation is developing, with more information to be provided as it becomes available.
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