Soldiers aboard USS Lincoln growing desperate after Middle East deployment extended indefinitely

• Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln report severe mental health struggles and suicide attempts during an extended deployment in the Middle East.
• The aircraft carrier has been deployed since November 21 and its planned May return was extended indefinitely without a firm return date, families told The Military Times.
• During a recent Navy town hall, families raised concerns over crew exhaustion, mental health crises, food shortages, and water contamination aboard the vessel.
• Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao informed families that the USS Theodore Roosevelt is being prepared to relieve the Abraham Lincoln, but did not specify when.
• The Navy previously dismissed reports of food shortages aboard the carrier as false, asserting that crews are provided with healthy, full-portioned meals.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.