Families fear for 5,000 US sailors on extended middle east deployment

Families of around 5,000 US sailors and service members aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln are raising concerns over their mental health and safety after the vessel spent nine months on patrol in the Middle East.

US warships are normally deployed for around six months, but the Abraham Lincoln has remained at sea considerably longer. According to US officials, aircraft from the carrier have conducted more than 10,000 sorties over the past eight months, while its crew has faced repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Families say the prolonged deployment and constant exposure to danger are taking a toll on the sailors’ mental health.

Jefferson Kelly, whose son serves aboard the carrier, said the crew has been working around the clock to maintain the ageing vessel and should not have been kept at sea for so long.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal has also raised concerns over conditions aboard the carrier, citing complaints about water, bathroom facilities and the mental strain on sailors, in a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The US military’s Central Command has rejected claims that sailors face an increased suicide risk. The Navy said there have been no deaths aboard the carrier and described reports of suicide risks and poor conditions as false. It said sailors have access to clean water, air conditioning, food and mental health professionals.

Despite the assurances, families remain concerned and have urged the Navy to bring their relatives home.

The Navy has now deployed the USS George Washington to replace the Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. However, the Lincoln may take several more weeks to return home after the two carriers complete the handover.

SKS