USS Lincoln Sailors Describe Toll of Deployment
Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln described hardships during a 286-day deployment, including 264 consecutive days at sea and combat operations in the Middle East. They reported food shortages, with depleted fruit and vegetable supplies during operations, and limited communication with families, including 40 days without Wi-Fi. Sailors expressed uncertainty about their return dates, with some finding the waiting period after combat operations more difficult than the operations themselves.
The conditions highlight potential issues with long-term naval deployments, impacting crew morale and well-being, and raising questions about support and communication protocols for military personnel engaged in extended missions.