The Dark Side of Perpetual Deployment The US Navy's record breaking deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Middle East has sparked controversy over the conditions faced by its crew.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed reports of poor living conditions and mental health strain as "completely misrepresented," but the issue highlights deeper problems with the military's approach to prolonged deployments.
The Lincoln's 250 consecutive days at sea, including an unprecedented stretch without a port stop, have taken a toll on its crew.