Senior Navy leaders met with families of sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln last week to address concerns regarding the mental health of service members during deployment. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, along with Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo and Vice Adm. Joseph Cahill, participated in the meeting to hear family concerns and provide updates on the deployment, which began on November 21, 2025, and was initially scheduled to conclude in May 2026.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over eight months, with no announced return date, and has spent 208 continuous days at sea, aside from brief stops in Guam and Oman. Reports indicate that at least two sailors have attempted to jump overboard, and there have been incidents where individuals intervened to prevent such actions. One family member reported receiving a message from a sailor expressing despair.
Vice Adm. Cahill acknowledged the impact of extended deployments on service members and their families, stating, 'We hear you loud and clear the impact this has on families, on service members, and the long-term ability of us to stand, sustain our forces’ health.' Secretary Cao, while not commenting directly on the family meeting, emphasized the dedication of Navy personnel in maintaining operational readiness.
Navy officials recognized the significant strain that extended deployments place on service members and their families, expressing gratitude for their resilience and sacrifices. They assured that Navy leadership is attentive to family concerns and is committed to providing the necessary resources for the USS Abraham Lincoln to fulfill its mission. The recent deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which lasted 11 months, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Navy in managing deployment lengths.