- The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is set to make a temporary stop in Thailand next week as it heads back to the United States, after spending consecutive days at sea supporting against amid recent of poor living conditions and low morale onboard the vessel.
- The Lincoln left the Middle East several days ago after being relieved, and is now heading to San Diego.
- A Thai navy official told this week that the carrier was expected to make a brief port visit in Thailand next week for the crew to rest and recuperate before continuing their journey home.
- The Thai navy spokesperson said: “The stop is a routine port visit intended to allow personnel to rest and recuperate” as well as to receive logistical support.
- Earlier this week, the Thai navy announced that three ships from a US navy carrier strike group would be making a brief port call in eastern Thailand to allow personnel to rest. No military exercises would take place during the visit.
- The planned stop comes as the Lincoln’s deployment has faced scrutiny in recent weeks of poor living conditions onboard among its crew. Family members have described shortages of supplies and water, plumbing problems, low morale, and among the roughly on the carrier. The also reported that there had been several attempts by sailors to jump overboard.
- On Wednesday, the wife of a sailor who jumped overboard told that her husband, who she said had since returned to the US, was now facing disciplinary action from the navy. Charging documents viewed by MS Now reportedly accuse the sailor of violating Article 83 for “”, which is someone who, “with the intent to avoid work, duty, or service”, fakes “illness, physical disablement, mental lapse, or mental derangement” or “intentionally inflicts self-injury”. The document also reportedly accuses the sailor of violating Article 86 for “” which the service member, without authority, “fails to go to his appointed place of duty at the time prescribed”, “goes from that place” or “absents himself or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty at which he is required to be at the time prescribed.”
- The couple, both 19, have a three-year-old son and welcomed a daughter in February while he was deployed. His wife told the outlet that he had requested paternity leave but was denied. The sailor is now reportedly facing non-judicial punishment, which MS Now notes is typically used by commanding officers to address minor rule-breaking without a court martial.
- In a statement to MS Now about the decision to pursue a non-judicial punishment for the sailor, a navy official said that “the Navy is fully committed to the health and wellbeing of every Sailor”. They added: “We strive to foster environments that support mental health by removing barriers to seeking help, increasing awareness of resources, and taking appropriate action when someone is in need.” “Mental health resources are available to our Sailors 24/7, and asking for help is a sign of strength.”
- The Lincoln left San Diego on 21 November, but was redirected to the Middle East. It has since spent more than 250 days without a significant port visit. Reports about the conditions onboard have prompted several Democratic lawmakers to seek answers from the Pentagon.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to make a port call in Thailand next week after over 250 days at sea, primarily to allow its crew to rest and recuperate. The Thai navy confirmed that this stop is a routine visit for logistical support.12356192021
The carrier recently left the Middle East and is en route to San Diego. However, its deployment has been marred by reports of poor living conditions and low morale among the crew. Family members have reported shortages of supplies, water, and plumbing issues, leading to a significant decline in morale.789
Concerns escalated when several sailors attempted to jump overboard, with one sailor facing disciplinary action for allegedly trying to avoid duty. His wife stated that he had requested paternity leave but was denied, which has raised questions about the Navy's commitment to the well-being of its personnel.101112131415
A navy official stated, “The Navy is fully committed to the health and wellbeing of every Sailor,” emphasizing the availability of mental health resources.
The Lincoln's deployment has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, prompting calls for answers from the Pentagon regarding the conditions onboard.
“The carrier's deployment has faced scrutiny over shortages of supplies and water, plumbing problems, and low morale, with family members reporting several attempts by sailors to jump overboard. A sailor who jumped overboard is now facing non-judicial punishment, and his wife says his request for paternity leave was denied.”
The Guardian
