Kathmandu— Multiple sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier operating near Iran, reportedly attempted to jump overboard in recent weeks amid exhaustion and declining morale, according to family members who spoke with news outlets. The ship’s deployment, which began in late November and was initially slated to end in May, has been extended indefinitely, leading to long periods without port visits for rest and replenishment. Concerns have also surfaced regarding living conditions, food shortages, and a lack of basic supplies on board.

Morale Declines During Extended Deployment

Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have voiced growing concerns about the mental health and well-being of their loved ones. Annabelle Loma told Military Times that her husband attempted to jump off the carrier, fearing a dishonorable discharge due to exhaustion. Maria Rodriguez shared that her husband intervened to prevent a shipmate from going overboard in a separate incident. Active-duty sailors and family members described a bleak atmosphere aboard the ship, with reports of suicidal thoughts surfacing among the crew. “We’ve just been turning and burning the whole time we’ve deployed,” one sailor told Stars and Stripes, noting a significant decline in morale since the beginning of the deployment.

Supply Shortages and Living Conditions

Beyond the psychological strain of extended operations, families have also reported issues with basic living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. MS NOW cited family members as saying that the crew has experienced food shortages and a lack of essential supplies in the ship’s store, including items like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant. These challenges appear to be contributing to the overall sense of hardship and frustration among sailors.

Navy Response and Relief Efforts

The US Navy acknowledged the concerns raised regarding sailor well-being, stating that it is “continuously conducting assessments to monitor and sustain the psychological readiness of every sailor.” Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group is preparing to relieve the Lincoln, but did not provide a specific timeline due to operational security considerations. This relief is anticipated to alleviate some of the pressure on the crew.

Political Context and Public Opinion

The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region following US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28th, with peace talks stalled and the Strait of Hormuz largely closed to shipping. Polling data indicates growing public disapproval of President Trump’s handling of the situation, with his approval rating dropping to a low of 33% according to an Economist/YouGov survey released Tuesday.

The Navy has not provided further details on the incidents involving sailors attempting to jump overboard, but continues to monitor the psychological health of its personnel. The arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to provide much-needed relief for the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.