Trump Says USS Lincoln Deployment Not Long Enough Amid Concerns

President Trump stated on Friday that the USS Lincoln's deployment has not nearly long enough, pushing back against concerns about conditions aboard the warship.

Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines have been deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for nine months in the Arabian Sea during the Iran war, with the ship having a record-setting time at sea of more than 200 days. Trump also claimed that family members of service members are not concerned about the conditions. This statement comes amid reports of mental health and supply issues aboard the USS Lincoln.

Navy leaders, including the Navy's acting Secretary Hung Cao, held a town hall for families who had raised concerns. A U.S. official told ABC News that the aircraft carrier USS George Washington will replace the Lincoln as part of a long-planned rotation and has begun heading toward the Middle East. Maggie Meza, executive director of the Blue Star Families Southern California chapter, discussed the toll of having a loved one deployed.

One wife of a USS Lincoln sailor expressed anger at Trump's remarks, stating she was infuriated and that the president does not think before he talks. She called for empathy and accountability for the military, ships, and war. CENTCOM has also addressed misreporting regarding the USS Lincoln.