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Naval families with relatives deployed on U.S. warships in the Middle East have expressed anger over remarks from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing the officials of dismissing serious concerns about shipboard conditions. Three families speaking anonymously to protect their active-duty relatives described troubling circumstances aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli, including inadequate food supplies that have caused significant weight loss among crew members and questionable water quality.
When questioned about family concerns, Trump stated that sailors’ relatives were not worried and suggested the Lincoln’s nine-month deployment had not been long enough. Hegseth characterized reports of poor conditions as “completely misrepresented.” These responses prompted sharp criticism from family members, with one sister describing the statements as a betrayal of those making sacrifices for their country.
Families reported additional challenges including limited mental health resources, with one sailor noting a five-week wait to see a psychiatrist. The Lincoln has experienced multiple suicide attempts during its deployment that began in November. Relatives questioned whether their loved ones, who enlisted to serve their nation, were receiving adequate support from their government in return.
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Originally reported by Theguardian →
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