Comedian John Oliver torched Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the “floating nightmare” on the USS Abraham Lincoln — after one sailor's mom said her son likened it to a scene out of the Fox TV show American Horror Story. Last week, military mother Danielle Rappa told NBC News that her son, who's aboard the Lincoln, was initially “in good spirits” but that his mental health had “started getting very dark,” during extended combat operations in President Donald Trump's war against Iran. In a prepared statement, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Independent, “The President cares about our troops more than anyone, and he is ensuring our brave servicemembers have all the resources they need to be successful as the United States Military continues to economically strangle the Iranian regime.” The Lincoln —a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with a crew of more than 5,000 sailors and Marines — left its home port of San Diego on November 21 and has since set a record of more than 240 uninterrupted days at sea, according to The .
The USS George Washington is en route from Asia to replace the Lincoln as one of two aircraft carriers stationed in the Middle East, according to reports. The Lincoln's deployment was supposed to end in May, and deteriorating conditions on board —including reported food shortages, broken toilets and moldy showers — have caused morale to plummet, according to family members. Last week, CNN reported that a sailor had jumped overboard August 3 and was rescued about an hour later following what a Navy official described as a mental health episode.
Multiple others have also tried to jump off the ship but were stopped by fellow crew members, relatives told the Military Times. On Friday, Trump sparked outrage after being asked by a reporter whether the Lincoln's deployment had gone on too long. Karen Bramlett, whose grandson is serving on the Lincoln, told NPR that he's "depressed" and that his dreams about Navy service "have been shattered" by his time on the ship.
And this is the thanks they get? They can't even get help from him or his administration.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
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