Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly been experiencing mental health issues amid an extended deployment in the Middle East.
In some cases, sailors have attempted to go overboard in suicide attempts, according to two new reports.
Annabelle Loma told the Military Times that her husband was one of those service members who attempted to jump from the carrier.
“He’s scared,” Loma told the publication. “He thinks he’ll get a dishonorable discharge, and just because he was burnt out, his 13-year career is ruined, just like that. That’s not fair, that’s not right. That’s not what he should be worrying about right now.”
The Lincoln began its deployment on Nov. 21 and was expected to return in May. But after President Donald Trump started a war with Iran in February, the Lincoln has remained in the region to support combat operations, with no return date set.
There have been at least two other occasions when someone has attempted to jump overboard, according to the Military Times report.
Last week, several family members of those on the carrier met with acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao in San Diego to discuss the mental health crisis their loved ones are experiencing.
One spouse said she received a text from her husband saying “he hopes he doesn’t wake up tomorrow,” Stars and Stripes reported.
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Interviews with active-duty sailors and family members, along with dozens of public social media comments and posts by crew members, describe sailors struggling with exhaustion and declining morale, including reports of suicidal thoughts and at least one instance where a crew member was prevented from jumping overboard.
“Food obviously has been scarce,” Nicole Conrad, whose son is a sailor on the carrier, told MS NOW. “He’s told me there was a time where he was only eating half a cup of rice and two tortillas.”
Families who spoke to MS NOW also said their loved ones have complained that there have been long periods without hot water for showering, laundry services being down, and basic supplies like toothpaste and soap running out.
The Department of Defense referred JS to the Navy, which did not immediately return a request for comment.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.