USS Abraham Lincoln sailors describe record deployment as worst ever, fear normalization of long missions

U.S. service members assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln are speaking out about their record-long, nearly nine-month deployment at sea, during which they supported the ongoing Iran war.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier — some of whose crew had reportedly suffered from deteriorating mental health — laid anchor off Thailand this week, affording its 5,000 sailors and Marines their first port call in 286 days.

While on shore in the resort town of Pattaya, some service members spoke with MS NOW Pentagon Correspondent Priya Sridhar, who recounted her discussions with them during a subsequent on-camera interview.

“Many of them told me that this was, in fact, the worst deployment that they have ever experienced,” said Sridhar, who formerly served as an officer in the Navy Reserve, according to Mediaite. “It was incredibly hard, and many of them expressed to me that they actually wish that they hadn’t even done a port call at this point.”

“They wanted to just go directly home,” she continued. “And another thing they told me is they are afraid that because of this war, these really long deployments without any port calls are going to become normalized.”

She added that some service members fear that the ordeal will have a “huge impact” on the Navy’s retention rates, particularly for lower-ranking sailors.

In Pattaya, where the service members are staying until this weekend, there are ample opportunities to relax, including beaches, night clubs and fast-food restaurants that offer a taste of home. But, according to Sridhar, many sailors and Marines are more focused on reconnecting with their loved ones.

“The, you know, major priority that they told me they wanted to do while they were here on shore was to FaceTime and see their kids, see their spouses and see their parents,” the reporter said. “So they finally got a chance to do that after nine and a half months.”

The Independent has contacted the Navy for comment.

The Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, began its deployment in November, heading from San Diego to the Indo-Pacific region. It was rerouted to the Middle East early this year to support the ongoing Iran war.

The vessel generated nationwide attention after reports emerged of food supply shortages and mental health struggles among the 5,000 sailors and Marines on board. Several service members even attempted to jump overboard, family members told The Military Times.

Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described reports of poor conditions as “completely misrepresented.”

The ship will depart for the United States after its port call in Thailand.