US Warship Crew Faces Mental Health Crisis After 9 Months at Sea

US military personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly faced a severe mental health crisis after spending nearly nine months at sea with little opportunity to return home. Families of the sailors and Marines have expressed growing concern over their prolonged deployment amid the war with Iran.

According to reports by Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, several crew members allegedly attempted to jump overboard, raising serious concerns about the psychological toll of the extended deployment involving around 5,000 sailors and Marines.

During a meeting with senior Navy officials in San Diego attended by around 200 family members, relatives described the emotional distress faced by service members. One wife said her husband had messaged her that he hoped he would not wake up the following day.

California Democratic Congressman Mike Levin has also raised concerns about conditions aboard the carrier, citing reportedly broken toilets, limited laundry facilities, shortages of hot water and inadequate food and hygiene supplies.

Another Democratic Congressman, Jason Crow, warned that the prolonged deployment was placing increasing psychological pressure on both service members and their families.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed some of the allegations as false. However, Levin strongly criticized the response, arguing that military personnel deserve basic living conditions while serving their country.

The US Navy acknowledged that extended deployments place significant pressure on service members and their families and said it remains aware of those challenges.

Ashik/The Mirror News