Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for answers Tuesday over reports that USS Abraham Lincoln sailors attempted or threatened to go overboard, as concerns grow over the carrier’s prolonged deployment.
Pritzker Raises Alarm Over Sailor Mental Health
“I am greatly concerned about reports outlining deteriorating mental health, including multiple incidents in which sailors attempted or threatened to go overboard,” Pritzker wrote, citing families who described “exhaustion, acute distress, and difficulty accessing mental healthcare.”
Pritzker said the Lincoln has remained deployed for more than 250 days without a clear end date. He asked how many Illinois residents are aboard, what mental-health services sailors receive, whether the Pentagon will investigate and “what has changed that justifies an indefinite deployment?”
The Lincoln left San Diego in November 2025 and has gone more than 200 days without a port call, a modern Navy record. Washington redirected it to the Middle East in January before the Iran war began Feb. 28.
Navy Pushes Back On Conditions Reports
The Navy has acknowledged that combat disrupted supply hubs, causing shortages and lost mail, but says sailors now have clean water and healthy meal options. It also says it has “not observed an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts.” A sailor went overboard in early August and was recovered, but officials have not said whether it was a suicide attempt.
Hegseth last week called reports of deteriorating conditions “completely misrepresented”, saying the Navy gives crews “everything we can provide them at every single moment.” President Donald Trump later called the reports “fake” and said people aboard describe the carrier as “beautifully taken care of.”
CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the Lincoln has “among the lowest” mental-health case totals among the Navy’s 11 active carriers. Still, Cooper said, “This doesn’t mean that all is perfect,” calling prolonged sea duty “uniquely challenging and tough.”
Pritzker joined other Democratic lawmakers demanding oversight. “The seriousness of these reports demands a thorough, transparent accounting,” he said, calling for “immediate action” on any deficiencies.
George Washington Heads To Relieve Lincoln
The Associated Press reported on Friday that the USS George Washington is heading from the Pacific toward the Middle East and is expected to replace the Lincoln.
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