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Sailors on USS Abraham Lincoln describe ‘the worst deployment that they have ever experienced’ as they dock in Thailand
The Independent • • nation
Key Points:
- The USS Abraham Lincoln completed a record-long deployment of nearly nine months, supporting the ongoing Iran war, with its 5,000 sailors and Marines finally making a port call in Pattaya, Thailand after 286 days at sea.
- Many service members described this deployment as the worst they have ever experienced, expressing a desire to skip the port call and return home immediately, fearing such lengthy deployments may become the norm.
- Concerns were raised about the impact of this prolonged deployment on mental health and Navy retention rates, especially among lower-ranking sailors, amid reports of food shortages and mental health struggles on board.
- During their brief shore leave, the crew prioritized reconnecting with family via FaceTime over leisure activities, highlighting the emotional toll of their extended time at sea.
- The Abraham Lincoln will depart Thailand soon and return to the United States, with the Navy yet to comment on the reported conditions faced by the crew.
