Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Trump says USS Abraham Lincoln deployment 'not nearly long enough'
A very big ship called the USS Abraham Lincoln carries about 5,000 sailors and Marines.
It left its home in San Diego in November 2025 to help the US military in a war against Iran.
The ship has been away from home for more than 250 days, which is a very long time.
The sailors' families said the sailors were tired, sad, and missing things like food, soap, and clean water.
Some reporters wrote stories about these problems.
The president, Donald Trump, said the ship's trip was 'not nearly long enough.'
The Navy said the reports about the problems were not true and that sailors are getting help they need.
Two sailors fell off the ship into the water but were rescued safely.
A new ship called the USS George Washington is coming to take the Lincoln's place.
Soon, the Lincoln will be able to go back home to the sailors' families.
President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln's extended deployment, calling the mission 'not nearly long enough.'
The carrier has been deployed for more than 250 days, including over 200 days without a port call, since leaving San Diego on November 21, 2025.
CNN reported that sailors complained of low morale, shortages of food and hygiene supplies, and problems with water and sanitation systems.
The Navy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed the reports, denying any increase in mental-health incidents and calling the claims false or 'completely misrepresented.'
The USS George Washington is expected to replace the Lincoln in West Asia, and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the Lincoln 'will return home soon.'
- Who
- President Donald Trump, sailors and their families aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Navy officials including acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- What
- Trump dismissed concerns over the USS Abraham Lincoln's prolonged deployment of more than 250 days despite CNN reporting low morale, supply shortages, and water and sanitation problems.
- When
- The carrier left San Diego on November 21, 2025; Trump made his remarks in mid-August 2026.
- Where
- The USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed to West Asia after leaving its home port of San Diego.
- Why
- The carrier was redirected to West Asia to support US military operations against Iran.
Families, sailors, and Democratic lawmakers
Trump administration and Navy officials
Length of deployment
Families, sailors, and Democratic lawmakers
Families, sailors, and several Democratic lawmakers say the deployment has gone on too long, causing low morale and strain on mental health; lawmakers have called for an investigation and oversight visit.
Trump administration and Navy officials
President Trump says the deployment was 'not nearly long enough' and disputed that family members are worried, while Navy officials say the replacement had been long-planned.
Conditions aboard the ship
Families, sailors, and Democratic lawmakers
CNN reported low morale, shortages of food and hygiene products, and water and sanitation problems; families said care packages could take months to arrive or go missing.
Trump administration and Navy officials
The Navy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed the reports, denying any increase in mental-health incidents and calling the claims false or 'completely misrepresented.'
- Carrier
- USS Abraham Lincoln (Nimitz-class aircraft carrier)
- Deployment length
- More than 250 days, including 200+ days without a port call
- Crew
- About 5,000 sailors and Marines
- Departed
- San Diego on November 21, 2025
- Mission
- Support US military operations against Iran in West Asia
- Replacement
- USS George Washington, expected to replace the Lincoln in West Asia
- Navy position
- Disputes reports of worsening conditions; denies observed increase in mental-health incidents
- Acting Navy Secretary
- Hung Cao, who said the Lincoln 'will return home soon'