250 Days at Sea: Crew of USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier is Struggling With Exhaustion and Low Morale

The crew of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has experienced a sharp decline in morale after more than 250 days at sea without a proper port call.

This was reported by Stars and Stripes, citing relatives of the sailors who voiced their concerns to U.S. Navy leadership during meetings in San Diego.

According to those present, about 200 family members of the crew raised issues of exhaustion, suicidal thoughts, and insufficient psychological support for the service members.

The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, for a scheduled deployment to the Pacific region but was subsequently redirected to the Middle East.

In January, the aircraft carrier arrived in the region and has since been supporting U.S. combat operations within the area of responsibility of the U.S. 5th Fleet. In total, the crew has already spent about 40 days of continuous combat operations.

The prolonged stay at sea was accompanied by supply problems. Sailors and their families reported shortages of food and water, disruptions in mail delivery, long work shifts, and a lack of regular port calls.

Typically, aircraft carriers call at port every 30–45 days to replenish supplies, perform maintenance, and allow the crew to rest.

Some service members and family members also reported instances of suicidal thoughts among crew members. According to the sailors, a few months ago, the watch crew prevented one crew member from jumping overboard.

At the same time, the U.S. Navy attributed the logistical problems to the complex situation in the Middle East. Due to hostilities, traditional supply routes were disrupted, forcing the military to change their resupply routes.

Priority was given to critically important cargo, including food, hygiene supplies, and mail.

In early July, the USS Abraham Lincoln made a brief port call in Oman, where it restocked supplies, including fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, the crew’s ability to leave the controlled military facility remained limited. The Navy also noted that the supply situation is gradually improving.

At this time, the U.S. Navy has not announced a date for the aircraft carrier’s return to San Diego, citing operational security. According to Navy veterans, the uncertainty surrounding the end of the deployment may further increase the psychological strain on the crew.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that on May 17, 2026, the newest U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, concluding a record-breaking 326-day combat deployment.