Families Criticize Trump’s Comments on USS Lincoln’s Extended Deployment

The families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are expressing outrage over President Donald Trump’s remarks concerning the ship’s prolonged deployment. According to a U.S. defense official who spoke to NPR, the USS George Washington is headed to relieve the USS Lincoln, which has been at sea for nearly nine months.

Comments Spark Outrage

Reporters questioned Trump on Friday about whether the USS Lincoln’s deployment has been overly extended. He responded, “No, not nearly long enough.” His remarks come amidst reports of food shortages, plumbing issues, and worsening mental health among crew members. There have even been unconfirmed reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard.

Karen Bramlett, whose grandson serves on the USS Lincoln, expressed her distress. Communicating with her grandson via Instagram about once a week, Bramlett revealed his mental and physical struggles. “He’s saying he’s good mentally and physically, thank God,” Bramlett said. “But he’s just depressed.” She described her grandson’s enlistment in the Navy two years ago as a dream, which he now wants to end.

“Donald Trump needs to be ashamed of himself for letting them suffer,” Bramlett asserted. “They’re fighting for our country. Is this the thanks they get?” she questioned, criticizing the lack of support from Trump and his administration.

Navy’s Response and Defense

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Chao explained that the deployment was extended due to the conflict with Iran. “A small number of mental health cases were treated with no loss of life,” Chao stated. “Meal plans were adjusted when fresh resupply was unavailable, without a meal missed,” he added. He praised the crew as the “epitome of American strength and resilience.”

Chao acknowledged the sailors’ fatigue but emphasized their unwavering spirit. “They are rightly tired but have never been out of the fight,” he affirmed.

Calls for Investigation

Democrats are urging a Pentagon investigation into the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. Sen. Ruben Gallego criticized what he described as poor planning by the administration. “They’re just kind of winging it right now,” Gallego said, arguing that the deployment reflects inadequate leadership.

He stated that bipartisan groups should visit the sailors to assess conditions firsthand. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed media reports as exaggerated and insisted the U.S. can sustain a naval blockade on Iran.

Julie Roland, a former Navy helicopter pilot, called for attention to the returning sailors’ well-being. “No one wants to be stuck in their office for 200 days,” Roland said, noting potential mental health challenges during the transition home. She emphasized the importance of support for the returning service members.