Trump Says Air Carrier Near Iran Hasn’t Been There ‘Nearly Long Enough’ amid Reports of Sailors Throwing Themselves Overboard

The USS Abraham Lincoln carries 5,000 and has been deployed for more than 250 days

NEED TO KNOW

• Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly faced mental health struggles, with some allegedly attempting to throw themselves overboard during their prolonged 250-day deployment
• When asked by a reporter about the situation, President Donald Trump said that they hadn’t been deployed “nearly long enough” amid his ongoing war with Iran
• Lawmakers have called for answers about the ship’s conditions and urged an end to the extended deployment

Following reports that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, currently stationed near Iran, have attempted to jump overboard, President Donald Trump said the aircraft carrier hasn’t been deployed “nearly long enough.”

While speaking to reporters on Friday, Aug. 14, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the 80-year-old president was asked about the ship’s lengthy deployment, which has surpassed 250 days.

“Has the deployment gone on too long?” he was asked, replying, “No, no. Not nearly long enough.”

The USS Abraham Lincoln left the naval base in San Diego in November 2025, and has been deployed more than 250 days, according to CNN. The carrier is home to roughly 5,000 sailors. Initial plans were for a seven-month deployment.

The president’s remarks come after several sailors aboard the carrier attempted to go overboard this month. A U.S. official described one incident as a “mental health episode” to CNN.

The sailor went overboard from the carrier and was rescued within an hour in early August, the outlet reported. An official said they were not injured.

The reports come as concerns mount over the prolonged deployment of the USS Lincoln and the mental health and living conditions of sailors aboard the carrier.

News outlets Stars and Stripes and the Navy Times reported that there had been multiple attempts by crew to jump overboard, citing the deployment length as a cause.

“I’m deeply worried about their exhaustion and mental health, because history has shown it can lead to serious consequences, including increased risk of suicide,” California Rep. Sara Jacobs, a member of the House Armed Services Committee who represents Lincoln’s home port of San Diego, told MS Now. “President Trump needs to end the Iran war now and bring our service members home.”

During his press briefing, Trump was also questioned about concerns for those aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which have been raised by family members.

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“Family members of US service members are concerned about the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln…” one reporter stated.

“No, no, that ship is moving. No, they’re not,” Trump interjected. “That ship is moving right now or very shortly and is being replaced with another very similar ship.”

Relatives have said that loved ones aboard have described food shortages and long waits at the ship’s store, according to MS Now. They said the store has frequently been short on basic necessities, including toothpaste, soap and deodorant, and that there have been periods during the deployment when the ship was forced to ration food portions.

Nicole Conrad, whose son is serving aboard the Lincoln, told the outlet that she has not seen his face in seven months.