Trump dismisses USS Abraham Lincoln crew mental-health concerns after 250 days at sea
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President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed concerns about conditions and mental health aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after a deployment of more than 250 days without a port call. The carrier left San Diego in November and has since supported U.S. military operations in the war with Iran; Trump said it would return and be replaced. His remarks came as families and lawmakers pressed for scrutiny of the crew's well-being.
The Deployment
USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego in November 2025 and has spent more than 250 days at sea without a port call, a record for the U.S. Navy, according to Kazinform; Reuters put the deployment at more than 260 days. The carrier took part in January military operations against Venezuela before being redirected to the Middle East to support U.S. operations in the war with Iran, which began February 28 with a U.S.- and Israeli-led offensive. The ship carries more than 5,000 sailors and marines. Initial plans called for the deployment to end in May, but the mission was extended.
Crew Conditions
This week's reports documented supply disruptions and psychological strain aboard the Lincoln, including accounts of crew members attempting to jump from the ship. Family members and U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about mental health and deteriorating conditions, while the Navy said it had not recorded an increase in suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, according to Al Jazeera and Kazinform. The ship has five chaplains, one psychologist, one social worker, three behavioral-health specialists, one integrated prevention consultant, and an emotional-support dog aboard. Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego called on Navy leadership to allow a bipartisan delegation to visit the ship.
Trump's Response
President Donald Trump told reporters Friday, before flying to New York, that the deployment had not been too long: "No, no, no. Not nearly long enough." He rejected suggestions that families were worried, saying "No, they are not concerned." Trump confirmed the carrier would soon return and be replaced by a similar ship. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting data on mental-health metrics and asking what military objective the continued Lincoln deployment serves against Iran.
What's Next
The Navy is expected to rotate the Lincoln out and deploy a replacement carrier, with no confirmed date announced. It remains unclear whether Congress will conduct an inquiry or whether the Pentagon will allow the bipartisan delegation aboard.
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Trump dismisses USS Abraham Lincoln crew mental-health concerns after 250 days at sea
