Published Aug 13, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
Reports this week allege there have been multiple attempts by crew members to jump overboard the ship which is being used in the war against Iran.
Lawmakers in Washington are demanding answers from the Navy amid reports of a mental health crisis onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is involved in the U.S.'s war against Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln, which has 5,000 sailors and marines on board, has been at sea for nine months. It has been in combat with Iran for five months, and has spent 250 days in a row without making land—leaving those on board without the opportunity to see their families and friends. Lawmakers reacted to multiple reports from the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes which, citing interviews with sailors' family members, allege that sailors have made multiple attempts to jump overboard and are experiencing other issues with their mental health. The outlets said some people aboard the ship are suffering from exhaustion, suicidal thoughts and low morale. They interviewed spouses who said their partners had prevented sailors from jumping overboard on at least one occasion.
A U.S. Sailor directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), July 30, 2026. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
