Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Six USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors Reportedly Tried to Jump Overboard
Some sailors live and work on a giant ship called the USS Abraham Lincoln.
These sailors have been out at sea for a very, very long time — more than 250 days — which is much longer than they expected.
The ship was supposed to go home, but when a war with Iran started, it was sent to the Arabian Sea instead, and nobody knows when it will come back.
During all that time, the crew only got to step on land twice.
The ship also had problems, like not enough water and toilets that did not work well.
Many sailors started to feel very sad and stressed, and at least six of them reportedly tried or threatened to jump off the ship.
Their families are very worried and gathered in San Diego to talk about it.
Some government leaders are asking the Navy to help the sailors and find out what is going on.
One leader said the least the country owes its sailors is hot water, a working toilet, and a real meal.
At least six sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln reportedly tried or threatened to jump overboard during a record-long deployment, according to Navy Times, Military Times, and Stars and Stripes.
The 37-year-old nuclear-powered carrier has been at sea for more than 250 days — one report cites more than 260 — a modern-era record for an aircraft carrier, with no announced end date.
The roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines have set foot on land only twice: in December in Guam and in July in Oman.
Families report mental distress and shortages of basic supplies, water, and plumbing; at a San Diego town hall of about 200 families, one spouse said her husband texted "he hopes he doesn't wake up the next day."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed earlier condition allegations as "more fake news," while Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Mike Levin and Jason Crow are seeking answers.
- Who
- At least six sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3 for the United States Pacific Fleet, which carries roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines.
- What
- Reportedly attempted or threatened to jump overboard amid mental stress, reported shortages, and a record-long deployment.
- When
- During the carrier's ninth month of continuous deployment — more than 250 days at sea, with one report citing more than 260; the deployment began November 21.
- Where
- Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in West Asia, most recently in the Arabian Sea under CENTCOM; concerned families met in San Diego.
- Why
- The extended deployment — with only two days on land and reported shortages of supplies, water, and plumbing — has taken a toll on the crew's mental health.
Sailors' families and Democratic lawmakers
Defense Secretary and administration
Conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln
Sailors' families and Democratic lawmakers
Sailors face shortages of basic supplies, water, and working plumbing, and severe mental stress that has led at least six to attempt or threaten jumping overboard.
Defense Secretary and administration
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed earlier allegations of poor conditions on board as "more fake news."
Length of the deployment
Sailors' families and Democratic lawmakers
The record-length deployment with no announced end date and only two days on land is an unacceptable strain on crew mental health.
Defense Secretary and administration
The carrier was redeployed to the Arabian Sea under CENTCOM following the outbreak of the US-Iran war to continue the mission.
- Ship
- USS Abraham Lincoln, 37-year-old nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
- Crew
- Roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines
- Deployment length
- More than 250 days at sea (one report cites more than 260); ninth month of continuous deployment, a modern-era record
- Deployment start
- November 21, departing San Diego for a Pacific mission expected to end in May 2026; redeployed to the Arabian Sea after the US-Iran war broke out
- Days on land
- Two: December in Guam and July in Oman
- Reported overboard attempts
- At least six
- Administration response
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed earlier condition allegations as "more fake news"
- Congressional action
- Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao; Representatives Mike Levin and Jason Crow sought answers
