More than 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have been at sea for 260 consecutive days, a record, after their deployment was extended due to the war with Iran. The carrier left San Diego in November bound for the Pacific, but was redirected to the Middle East.
Conditions on board
Families have reported broken toilets, mouldy showers, laundry failures, shortages and poor food. There have been reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard. One wife said her husband texted that he hoped he would not wake up the next morning.
Trump's response
When asked whether the crew had been away too long, Trump replied: "Not nearly long enough." The crew's exhaustion contrasts with Trump's history of avoiding military service and his past comments about veterans, including mocking the late Senator John McCain's capture.
Impact
The war, which Trump initiated, has left thousands of servicemen and women carrying the cost. For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org.
