On July 7, I arrived at the Duqm port in Oman to board the USS Abraham Lincoln, arriving just as tensions in the conflict with Iran began to escalate once more. An official greeted me with the remark, “Your timing is impeccable.” Despite the ongoing regional crisis—which has claimed the lives of 18 US service members since February—the atmosphere on board remained surprisingly detached from the headlines. The following day was designated a “no fly day,” providing the crew with a brief opportunity to reset after their port visit.
My time on the ship allowed me to observe a reality far more nuanced than recent reports suggest. While stories of poor living conditions and mental health challenges are grounded in truth, they represent only part of the experience. I was granted significant freedom to roam the vessel and speak with personnel, though I could not witness every corner of the ship or interview all 5,000 crew members. The environment is one of genuine hardship balanced by resilience, with experiences varying drastically based on rank, age, and specific duties.
Political discourse surrounding the deployment has been polarized. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that conditions on the ship have been “completely misrepresented,” while President Donald Trump recently remarked that the deployment has been “not nearly long enough.” These statements have not been well-received by many of the sailors I encountered. The ship is currently operating in a highly contested environment, and the Navy stated that combat actions in the Middle East have disrupted traditional supply hubs, forcing leadership to prioritize resources accordingly.
Food quality has been a major point of contention. During earlier stages of the conflict, supply chain disruptions led to a period of rationing where meals were often limited to items like corn dogs or tuna with noodles. By the time of my visit, the situation had improved, with the ship serving between 17,000 and 18,000 meals daily on a 14-day rotation. One sailor noted that while the food has become more edible, many crew members had previously lost weight due to the limited options. Sailors frequently discussed their cravings for home-cooked meals or specific fast-food items.
Living conditions on the carrier are equally complex. I shared quarters in the guest section, where the noise from jet launches was constant. While my communal bathroom had hot water, it required maintenance. Some sailors reported issues with black mold, and I personally felt water dripping from the ceiling in various parts of the ship. Navy officials maintain that mold is not a chronic issue and that sailors are responsible for routine cleaning. Our photographer, John Torigoe, noted that while the ship shows significant wear after months at sea, the crew’s performance remains impressive.
The psychological toll of an open-ended deployment is a primary concern. Nearly half the crew is 25 or younger, and many are on their first or second deployment. Sailors described the routine as “Groundhog Day,” characterized by 12-to-16-hour shifts and repetitive tasks. Leadership has avoided setting a firm return date to prevent the disappointment of broken promises, but this lack of certainty has become a significant source of anxiety. Retired Adm. James Stavridis noted that in previous conflicts, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers had a clearer understanding of their mission’s end, which bolstered morale.
There is a sense of cautious optimism as the USS George Washington prepares to provide relief. Navy officials noted that suicidal ideations tend to spike shortly after boarding and decrease as sailors adjust, a trend observed on the Lincoln as well. While some family members have expressed frustration regarding the pace of relief and the use of military assets, the crew continues to manage the demands of a nine-month deployment. For those struggling, resources remain available, including the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US by calling or texting 988. The report also notes that just as the war with Iran was escalating again, i stepped onto the USS Abraham Lincoln on July 7 at the Duqm port in Oman. The report also notes that what struck me was how little the crisis — which has led to the deaths of 18 US service member s since it began in February — registered onboard. The report also notes that or talk to all of the roughly 5,000 crew members, though the Navy allowed us to roam freely for the most part with an escort and talk to whomever we wanted, i didn’t get to see every nook and cranny of the ship. The report also notes that i hadn’t even finished my first walk-through on the aircraft carrier when I learned that Iran hit a third tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and that US Central Command, which is carrying out the Pentagon’s war strategy, was gearing up to respond. The report also notes that i did my first live shot from the flight deck within an hour of boarding. The report also notes that rising rhetoric on both sides as a tentative peace agreement between the US and Iran crumbled, in the news while they did: US strikes on Iran from other naval assets. The report also notes that in the cafeteria (known as the mess deck), top enlisted crew members were remarkably calm. The report also notes that even with Wi-Fi onboard, most hadn’t been following the news.
