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Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Where Hardship and Resilience Coexist
Nearly 5,000 sailors are facing 12-to-16-hour days, supply shortages and mental-health concerns as the carrier’s mission stretches toward 9 months, CNN reported.
The USS Abraham Lincoln faces a potential record-breaking deployment of nearly nine months amid escalating Iran tensions, prompting concerns from families over mental health and reports of crew members requiring rescue.
Combat actions in the Middle East disrupted traditional supply hubs, forcing rationing and food shortages, while sailors describe the mission evolving from a planned two-week operation into a seven-month blockade with 12-to-16-hour workdays.
CNN photojournalist John Torigoe observed conditions aboard, noting he saw mold and old pipes yet was surprised by sailor professionalism; reports also documented backed-up toilets and morale challenges during the extended deployment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed conditions aboard were "completely misrepresented," while President Donald Trump stated last week the deployment has been "not nearly long enough," dismissing crew concerns.
Roughly 5,000 crew members, nearly half under age 25, operate the carrier while Navy officials assert no widespread mental health crisis exists, though the service maintains chaplains and counselors to support the crew.
Daily TV and Radio program hosted by Amy Goodman, Juan González and Nermeen Shaikh
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Daily TV and Radio program hosted by Amy Goodman, Juan González and Nermeen Shaikh
Democracy Now! 2026-08-17 Monday
Democracy Now! discuss reports of deteriorating conditions and overboard attempts aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during its extended Iran deployment, alongside Trump’s claim it hasn’t been long enough