Crisis at Sea: Crew Members Tried to Jump Off Aircraft Carrier - Navy Prepares to Replace It

Several crew members on the American aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln attempted to jump off its deck amid mental exhaustion and fatigue during an extended deployment in the Middle East. The Navy is preparing to replace the Lincoln with the Theodore Roosevelt strike group, but has not given a date. Families pressured the Navy, and its leaders acknowledged the strain.

Several crew members on the American aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln attempted to jump off its deck amid mental exhaustion and fatigue during its prolonged deployment in the Middle East. According to a report in Military Times, Annabel Luma said her husband tried to jump after his missions were extended again and again, and he is now under medical supervision. In a separate case, a crew member on watch prevented a colleague from jumping, according to testimony from his wife Maria Rodriguez. Stars and Stripes also reported a similar case, but it is unclear if it is the same one. The Navy did not say how many attempts there were. About 5,000 sailors and Marines serve on the Lincoln, which departed on November 21 and has been assisting for over eight months in operations against Iran. The deployment was supposed to end in May but was extended with no return date. More than 200 family members met with Acting Secretary of the Navy Hanq Cao, who said the Theodore Roosevelt strike group is preparing to replace the Lincoln, with no timeline. Vice Admiral Joseph Cahill acknowledged the strain and noted that counselors and chaplains are stationed. Families criticized the service conditions and the difficulty of communication.