U.S. sailors are reportedly attempting to jump overboard as their extended deployment to the Middle East drags on, sparking concerns about conditions and their mental health.

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The sailors are apparently desperate and have attempted to jump overboard (Image: Getty)

U.S. sailors deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly tried jumping overboard as their extended deployment to the Middle East drags on, their families said.

The aircraft carrier, which is crewed by around 5,000 sailors and Marines, has been deployed since Nov. 21. But lately, it's been supporting U.S. military operations in the war with Iran.

The deployment was expected to end back in May, but it's been extended without a return date in sight, the families told The Military Times.

Anabelle Loma, the wife of a sailor serving on the carrier, told the publication that her husband is now on medical hold after he attempted to jump from it.

"He's scared," she said. "He thinks he'll get a dishonorable discharge, and, just because he was burnt out, his 13-year career is ruined, just like that."

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Loma added that she's trying to put on a "happy face" for her children — but she feels like she could "break down" every day.

Meanwhile, Maria Rodriguez, the wife of another sailor, said her husband prevented another man from jumping overboard. She told The Military Times that her husband held the shipmate's arms and hauled them onto the deck, and three other sailors eventually ran to help.

Concerns have been raised by family members during a town hall meeting last week with Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. One wife told officials that her husband sent her a message saying that he "hopes he doesn't wake up tomorrow," according to Stars and Stripes.

The outlet described exhaustion and incredibly low morale on board the ships after speaking with multiple active-duty sailors and their families.

Recordings of last week's meeting that were reviewed by MS NOW show family members raising concerns about sailors' mental health and worries over a lack of supplies, food shortages and water contamination and safety on deck.

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    Secretary Cao told attendees that the USS Theodore Roosevelt is being prepared to relieve the Abraham Lincoln, but he didn't say when.

    Vice Adm. Joseph Cahill expressed his gratitude for the sailors and their families, stating, "I cannot even tell you how proud we are of them. They have executed with a level of precision and professionalism that just goes to the quality of our people that have chosen to put the cloth of our nation on our shoulder and answer this call. We hear you loud and clear the impact this has on families."

    Back in April, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations released a statement on X slamming reports that food shortages and poor quality were rampant aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Tripoli as "false."

    "Both USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli have sufficient food onboard to serve their crews with healthy options," the statement at the time said. "The health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Marines are my top priority, and every crew member continues to receive fully portioned, nutritionally balanced meals."

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