USS Lincoln
Different outlets reported that sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln tried to jump overboard as their deployment hits 250 days. Getty Images

U.S. Senator from Connecticut Richard Blumenthal is seeking answers from the military over reports that sailors tried to jump overboard the USS Lincoln amid an extended deployment that reached 250 days.

"The Lincoln's extended deployment raises broader questions about the Navy's ability to sustainably generate carrier forces while preserving service member well-being, maintenance, schedules, fleet readiness, and the capacity to respond to future contingencies," reads a passage of Blumenthal's letter.

"The Trump Admin must explain what they are doing to support sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln who have been continuously at sea for nearly 7 months. Widespread reports of supply shortages, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health & more demand immediate attention," he said in a social media publication sharing the letter, which is addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Hung Cao, the Acting Secretary of the Navy.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego also addressed the matter, saying the "Department of the Navy must allow a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to visit the USS Lincoln to conduct oversight investigation into this horrible situation."

The issue made headlines after USS Lincoln sailors and their family members began sounding the alarm about their mental health and risk of self-harm. They have been deployed for 250 days at sea and supported 40 days of continuous combat operations.

According to Stars and Stripes, the spouse of a sailor told officials in a town hall that she got a message from her husband saying "he hopes he doesn't wake up tomorrow."

Officials didn't respond directly that claimed that those aboard the ship have access to mental health workers, as well as chaplains and doctors, the spouse told the outlet.

Stars and Stripes went on to describe the situation aboard the ship as one ridden with exhaustion and declining morale, including reports of suicidal thoughts. There was one case in which a sailor was prevented from jumping overboard.

The Navy reacted with a statement, saying "leadership is continuously conducting assessments to monitor and sustain psychological readiness of every sailor."

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