USS Lincoln headed for port after concerns over sailors' conditions
The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled for a port call in Thailand following reports of poor living conditions and crew mental health struggles. The deployment has been marked by controversy regarding military management and political commentary.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about the welfare of service members during extended deployments and the political oversight of military operations.
Hear this story Crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln finally have a port call scheduled, according to texts sent to family members and shared with USA TODAY.
The Lincoln has a planned stop in Thailand in early September, the texts say. The aircraft carrier is sailing home after an extended, record-setting deployment in the Middle East amid the U.S. war in Iran.
In an Aug. 18 text exchange shared with USA TODAY, a sailor on board the Lincoln asked her relative to send a couple of hotels that looked good in Thailand. In a separate recent text exchange, a relative told her family member she was excited for him as he'd always talked about going to Thailand.
Spokespeople told USA TODAY the Navy does not comment on future operations or ship movements due to operational security.
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