US sailors attempt to jump into sea amid mental stress

Food shortages, broken toilets and weeks without laundry services are reportedly taking a toll on sailors aboard the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Sometimes there is no hot water, while at other times food supplies are running low. On top of that, the sailors are under the strain of prolonged warfare, with no clear indication of when they will be able to return home. Amid the situation, concerns are growing over the mental and physical condition of sailors aboard the carrier, which is deployed on a mission related to the Iran war. Family members claim the situation has become so serious that several sailors have even attempted to jump into the sea.

The allegations came to public attention last Thursday. On that day, more than 200 family members of sailors and Marines serving aboard the carrier met with Acting Chief of Naval Operations Hang Kao at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. They expressed frustration over the prolonged deployment, food shortages, water quality, broken toilets, undelivered mail and the mental health of the sailors. Later that night, the same concerns were raised during another virtual meeting with senior Navy officials.

The carrier left San Diego on November 21. It was initially expected to return within seven months, but the deployment has now entered its ninth month. The mission was scheduled to end in May, but it was extended because of the Iran war. The US Navy has yet to announce a specific date for the sailors' return home.

At one point, after spending 208 consecutive days at sea, the Abraham Lincoln made a brief stop in Oman on July 7. During its current deployment, this has become a record for the longest continuous period at sea by a US aircraft carrier in the modern era.

The wife of one sailor said her husband attempted to jump into the sea and was later placed under medical observation. Another family member said a sailor was stopped by a colleague at the last moment from making such an attempt. However, the US Navy has not disclosed exactly how many sailors have made such attempts.

Navy officials have also acknowledged the strain caused by the prolonged deployment. Vice Admiral Joseph Cahill told family members that they understand how the situation is affecting sailors and their families. The Navy also said the ship has mental health counselors, religious counselors and medical support.

There have also been numerous complaints about living conditions. Officials acknowledged that toilets in one section of the ship had remained out of service for an extended period. Families have complained of mold or fungus in some showers, closed laundry facilities in some areas, and shortages of food and essential supplies.

Preparations are underway to send the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group to replace the Abraham Lincoln and reduce the pressure on its crew. However, the specific timing of the replacement has not been disclosed for security reasons.

The impact of the Iran war is therefore not limited to missile strikes and battles involving fighter jets. The situation aboard the Abraham Lincoln is now highlighting how the pressure of the war is also building up on the daily lives and mental health of US sailors who have been at sea for months.