Sailor Families Criticize Trump’s Remarks on USS Abraham Lincoln’s Extended Deployment

WASHINGTON — Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have voiced their displeasure with President Donald Trump’s comments about the vessel’s prolonged deployment. The USS Lincoln has been stationed at sea for close to nine months. A defense official, speaking anonymously, informed NPR that the USS George Washington is currently heading to take over from the USS Lincoln.

When questioned by reporters on Friday about whether the USS Lincoln’s deployment had exceeded its duration, President Trump responded, “No, not nearly long enough.” These comments are linked to ongoing issues on the ship, which include food shortages, plumbing problems, and crew members experiencing deteriorating mental health. There are reports, though unverified by NPR, of sailors attempting to jump ship.

Karen Bramlett, whose grandson is aboard the USS Lincoln, requested that NPR withhold his name due to concerns over potential military repercussions. Bramlett communicates with her grandson through Instagram weekly. While her grandson assures her that his mental and physical condition is stable, Bramlett noted, “He’s just depressed. Considering the conditions over there, you really can’t blame him.” Her grandson joined the Navy two years ago, fulfilling a childhood dream; however, “now he’s like, he just can’t wait to be done,” Bramlett expressed. “Those dreams have been shattered.” Bramlett criticized Trump, “Donald Trump needs to be ashamed of himself to let them suffer as they are. They’re fighting for our country, and this is the thanks they get? They can’t even get help from him or his administration.”

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Chao addressed the extension of the USS Lincoln’s mission in a statement on Friday. He attributed it to the ongoing conflict with Iran. “Mental health cases have been managed without any loss of life,” Chao assured. He detailed adjustments made to meal plans when fresh supplies were unavailable, ensuring not a single meal was missed. “Contact with home was restricted due to operational threats,” Chao continued, highlighting the resilience of those on board, emphasizing, “They have never broken but are rightly tired.”

Democrats Demand Accountability

Democratic members of Congress have urged the Pentagon to conduct an investigation into the conditions faced by the crew. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), in his discussion with NPR’s Morning Edition, accused the Trump administration of being disorganized in its approach. “They’re just kind of winging it right now,” he stated, critiquing the Pentagon’s strategy and calling out its lack of proper leadership.

Gallego expressed his interaction with the ship’s crew and their families. “We are able to talk to a lot of these sailors,” Gallego remarked, asserting the need for a bipartisan congressional visit to the sailors to ensure transparency about their well-being.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed media reports as exaggerated, asserting the U.S. could maintain a naval blockade on Iran indefinitely.

Julie Roland, a former Navy helicopter pilot, emphasized the importance of providing support to the roughly 5,000 sailors upon their return from the USS Lincoln. Speaking on NPR’s All Things Considered, Roland likened an extended deployment to being “stuck in their office for 200 days” and acknowledged the challenges associated with transitioning back home. “When they return,” Roland urged, “we must embrace them and address any residual effects from this prolonged period.”