NPR
Politics
Relatives Criticize Trump Remarks on USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment
Family members of sailors serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln are speaking out after President Trump suggested the vessel's extended time at sea was not long enough.
Added 8/15/2026
Relatives of crew members aboard the aircraft carrier are expressing anger regarding the president's recent statements. During a media appearance, President Trump was asked if the current deployment had lasted too long and responded that it was insufficient.
This exchange followed reports detailing difficult living conditions on the vessel, including issues with plumbing, shortages of food, and worsening mental well-being among the personnel. Additional reports concerning crew members attempting to jump overboard could not be independently verified by NPR.
A defense official who spoke without authorization for public release confirmed that the USS George Washington is traveling to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has operated at sea for close to nine months.
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