Families of USS Lincoln crew say Trump should be 'ashamed' of conditions on board

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption

WASHINGTON — Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are condemning President Trump's comments on the ship's record deployment.

A U.S. defense official not authorized to speak publicly told NPR the USS George Washington is en route to relieve the USS Lincoln, which has been at sea for nearly nine months

Trump was asked by reporters Friday whether the USS Lincoln's deployment had gone on too long.

His comments come amid reports of food shortages, plumbing problems and declining mental health among crew members. There have even been some reports – which NPR has not been able to independently confirm – that sailors have attempted to jump overboard.

Karen Bramlett's grandson is on the ship. She asked NPR not to use his name for fears he could face repercussions or harassment from the military.

Bramlett said she is able to communicate with her grandson via Instagram about once a week.

"He's saying he's good mentally and physically, thank God," Bramlett said. "But he's just depressed. With the conditions over there you really can't blame him."

Bramlett said her grandson enlisted in the Navy about two years ago. She said it was a dream for him.

"But now he's like, he just can't wait to be done," Bramlett said. "Those dreams have been shattered."

"Donald Trump needs to be ashamed of himself to let them suffer the way that they're doing," she continued. "They're over there fighting for our country. And this is the thanks they get? They can't even get help from him or his administration."

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Chao said in a statement Friday that the USS Lincoln's mission was extended because the conflict with Iran demanded it.

"It is also true— a small number of mental health cases were treated with no loss of life," Cao said. "Meal plans were adjusted when fresh resupply was unavailable, without a single meal being missed. Calls home were limited when the operational threat was too high."

Cao said those aboard the USS Lincoln are the "epitome of American strength and resilience."