The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nearly a year, a deployment that has been marked by combat operations, shortages, and deteriorating mental health among crew members.
The Lincoln was diverted to the Middle East after the United States launched its war with Iran, and the deployment became one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.
The Timeline
The months that followed were marked by combat operations, deployment extensions, a record-breaking stretch at sea, and reports of shortages of food and basic supplies and deteriorating mental health among some crew members.
Several crew members had attempted to jump overboard, and the navy disclosed that during the deployment, eight service members from the Lincoln and its accompanying strike group had attempted to take their own lives.
- The war disrupted regional resupply routes and traditional hubs, making it harder to replenish the ship and rotate personnel.
- The Lincoln had spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea by August.
By the numbers
- The Lincoln and its strike group, carrying approximately 6,000 to 7,000 sailors across roughly a half-dozen ships, were soon pulled into combat operations.
The Human Toll
Armen Kurdian, a retired US navy captain who served on the Lincoln in 2005, described the carrier as a 'giant floating city' where sailors live in close quarters.
Some families said they went weeks without hearing from their loved ones, and for stretches of time, those onboard did not receive letters and care packages from home.
The Combat Operations
The group's guided-missile destroyers engaged in 'arguably the most intense combat at sea the navy has seen' since the second world war.
The war damaged a US navy base in Bahrain, and the Lincoln had spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea by August.
The Aftermath
The deployment has had a lasting impact on the crew and their families, with some crew members struggling to adjust to life back on land.
The navy has acknowledged the challenges faced by the crew and is working to address the issues and prevent similar situations in the future.
According to a report by the Navy Times, the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment was one of the longest in recent history, with some crew members serving for over 12 months without a break.
The report also highlighted the challenges faced by the crew, including the lack of port visits, which made it difficult for sailors to rest and recharge.
Additionally, the report noted that the war with Iran had disrupted regional resupply routes, making it harder for the ship to replenish its supplies and rotate personnel.
The USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment has also had a significant impact on the crew's mental health, with some sailors struggling to cope with the stress and pressure of the deployment.
According to a report by the Military Times, the number of sailors seeking mental health treatment increased significantly during the deployment, with some sailors reporting feelings of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The navy has acknowledged the challenges faced by the crew and is working to address the issues and prevent similar situations in the future.
As the USS Abraham Lincoln returns to California, the crew and their families are left to deal with the aftermath of the deployment.
The navy's efforts to address the challenges faced by the crew and prevent similar situations in the future will be closely watched by military experts and families of service members.
Andre Lennox’s View
I've been following the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment, and it's clear that the crew has been pushed to the limit. The nearly year-long deployment has exposed them to unrelenting combat, with reports of shortages, deteriorating mental health, and even attempted suicides. The navy's disclosure that eight service members attempted to take their own lives during the deployment is a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged combat operations. The crew's prolonged time at sea, with no port visits, has taken a toll on their physical and mental well-being. It's a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by our service members and the need for the military to prioritize their care and well-being.
Opinion — Andre Lennox. Reporting above is separate from this view.
Room for disagreement
The Guardian frames the story as a human-interest piece, focusing on the emotional toll on families awaiting the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln, rather than the operational intensity of the deployment. Read The Guardian’s take →
Background
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that has been a mainstay of the US Navy's fleet for decades. The ship was commissioned in 1989 and has undergone several modernization and upgrade programs over the years. It is one of the largest warships in the world, with a crew of around 5,000 sailors and Marines. The Lincoln has a long history of deployments, including several tours in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. It has also participated in several major operations, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The ship's home port is Norfolk, Virginia, but it is currently based in San Diego, California, after being relocated from Norfolk in 2013. The Lincoln is equipped with a range of advanced aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs, and is capable of carrying out a variety of tasks, including air defense, strike missions, and humanitarian aid. The ship's deployment to the Middle East was part of a larger effort to counter Iranian aggression in the region. The US Navy has a long history of deployments to the Middle East, dating back to the 1990s, when the US launched its first Gulf War against Iraq. The US has maintained a significant military presence in the region ever since, with a focus on countering Iranian influence and protecting regional allies.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned in 1989. (The Guardian)
- The ship's home port is Norfolk, Virginia. (The Guardian)
- The US Navy has a long history of deployments to the Middle East, dating back to the 1990s. (The Guardian)
What's next
The navy's efforts to address the challenges faced by the crew and prevent similar situations in the future.
Questions readers ask
How long has the USS Abraham Lincoln been deployed?
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nearly a year.
How many service members attempted to take their own lives during the deployment?
Eight service members from the Lincoln and its accompanying strike group had attempted to take their own lives.
How long did the USS Abraham Lincoln spend at sea without a port visit?
The carrier remained at sea for months without a port visit, with some crew members working long hours.
Sources
- The Guardian: ‘It’s been hard’: families await the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln
- Google: ‘It’s been hard’: families await the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln - The Guardian
