The Sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln Deserve Better
An opinion piece criticizes the U.S. military's handling of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for over 240 days without adequate rest or supplies for its crew. The author argues that this extended deployment reflects a broader pattern of neglect toward military personnel.
Why it matters
It highlights growing concerns regarding the welfare of service members and the operational strain placed on the U.S. Navy during sustained combat operations.
The treatment of those on board betrays the promise made by the 16th president himself.
Alex Wroblewski / AFP / Getty August 28, 2026, 10:49 AM ET Share Save W hen I was deployed at sea as a junior officer , I used milestones to track the passage of time. Each day counted toward something: a port call, when you get a break on land from the monotony at sea; the “crossing the line ceremony” when a ship crosses the equator (unfortunately, canceled at the last minute for my ship); and, eventually, the date I knew that, no matter what, I would be going home. Even on my worst days, that end point helped me stay focused on the mission and gave me something to be hopeful for.
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