FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC, August 14, 2026 National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) is deeply concerned by reports of deteriorating living conditions, exhaustion, and serious mental health concerns among sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during its extended deployment supporting U.S. military operations against Iran.
The carrier has now been deployed for more than 250 days and has gone more than 200 days without a port call. Sailors and their families have reported shortages of basic supplies, problems with food and plumbing, disruptions to mail, deteriorating morale, and multiple incidents in which sailors reportedly attempted or threatened to go overboard.
The Navy disputes that there has been an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts aboard the ship. That disagreement makes determining the facts more important—not less.
“Having commanded at all levels from a Ship CO to commanding a Carrier Strike Group, I know the extraordinary demands we place on sailors at sea, particularly during sustained combat operations,” said Rear Admiral Mike Smith, USN (Ret.), President of NSL4A. “This should be one of the easiest moments imaginable for senior civilian leaders to demonstrate leadership: listen to the sailors and their families, get the facts, send teams to provide additional support, fix what can be fixed, and make unmistakably clear that the welfare of the men and women carrying out the mission matters. Instead, Secretary Hegseth has dismissed these reports as ‘completely misrepresented,’ while President Trump responded to concerns about this record-setting deployment by saying it was ‘not nearly long enough.’ That is the exact opposite of leadership.”
NSL4A supports Senator Ruben Gallego’s call for a bipartisan congressional delegation to visit the USS Abraham Lincoln. Members of Congress should be allowed to meet directly with sailors, commanders, and medical and mental health personnel; inspect conditions aboard the ship; and independently assess the impact of the extended deployment on crew welfare and operational readiness.
The decision to send the USS George Washington to relieve the Lincoln is welcome, but it does not eliminate the need to understand what occurred, what conditions sailors endured, and whether warning signs were adequately addressed.
“Our sailors understand sacrifice. They understand that military service—especially during war—can require long deployments and difficult conditions,” Smith added. “What they should never have to question is whether their leaders are listening when they raise concerns. Sailors will do their duty. Their civilian leaders must do theirs.”
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About National Security Leaders for America
National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) is a nonpartisan network of over 1,500 senior national security professionals—retired admirals, generals, senior enlisted leaders, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilian service officials—from across the political spectrum who are united in defense of American democracy. Founded in 2021, NSL4A is a 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for democratic values, institutions, and leaders who uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Our members offer expert, real-world insights on the national security implications of election integrity, civil-military relations, and democratic resilience.
Media Contact: CommDirector@nsl4a.org
The analysis hits the bulls eye. Ship’s crews carry out their duties fully aware of the hazards that face them. We can and must do much more to support them under these adverse conditions. Top line changes are an imperative for the welfare of the ship.
This abuse of our military due to the Trump/Hegseth wet dreams of endless war is despicable, unsustainable and ultimately disastrous to our national security. Our international adversaries now clearly understand America is weaker than it has been in a century. All because of an overdose of hubris and testosterone in the White House and DOD Secretarial Suite.