Trump’s Navy moves to discipline sailor after apparent suicide attempt aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
A 19-year-old sailor who jumped from the USS Abraham Lincoln in an apparent suicide attempt earlier this month now faces disciplinary action from the U.S. Navy, according to charging documents and his wife, as reported by MS NOW.
The sailor, a married father of two, faces non-judicial punishment for allegedly intentionally harming himself or faking an illness to avoid duty. He is also charged with failing to report to his assigned duty station during the mental health crisis.
His wife told MS NOW that the disciplinary action has added to the sailor’s stress. She stated he had repeatedly requested paternity leave before the incident.
Sailor faces punishment after going overboard
According to his wife, the sailor jumped on August 3, was rescued, and then medically evacuated. He returned to San Diego 10 days later.
According to charging documents reviewed by MS NOW, the sailor faces an Article 83 allegation of “malingering,” referring to “intentionally faking an illness or hurting themselves to avoid work, duty or service.”
He is also charged under Article 86 with being absent without leave after failing to report to his assigned duty station without authorization.
“I think they’re insane for doing this to people who need mental help,” his wife said.
The case will be handled at a “captain’s mast,” an internal Navy disciplinary process that does not involve a court-martial or criminal conviction. The commanding officer may order a pay reduction of up to half his salary, according to the charging documents.
His wife says he sought help aboard the ship
The sailor’s wife said he repeatedly requested paternity leave to meet his newborn daughter for the first time, but his requests were denied.
After his rescue, he spent five days at Naval Medical Center San Diego, where his vital signs were monitored, according to his wife.
However, she claimed he was not evaluated by a psychiatrist or therapist during his stay. He was ordered to return to duty after his release and did not have his first therapy session until nearly two weeks after returning home.
The Navy is pursuing disciplinary action against the sailor. The case has also highlighted conditions aboard the carrier and the circumstances of his mental health crisis.
USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for months
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for more than 250 consecutive days. Its deployment was extended after the Iran conflict sent the carrier to the Middle East.
Reports have described deteriorating conditions aboard the ship, including broken toilets, mold in showers, laundry issues, and food shortages.
The Navy has announced plans to send additional counselors and social workers to the Lincoln. The crew is also scheduled to stop in Thailand next week for rest and recovery before returning home.
Trump and Hegseth have defended the deployment
The reports have drawn criticism from lawmakers and military families. A bipartisan group of members of Congress has called for stronger monitoring of conditions aboard the carrier.
While speaking to reporters earlier this month, President Donald Trump said the Lincoln’s extended time at sea was “not nearly long enough.”
Sara Jacobs, a California Democrat and member of the House Armed Services Committee, told MS NOW: “No one should be punished for getting the mental health care they need. I will continue to call on the Navy to provide our Sailors with the necessary support they deserve and will continue doing oversight to ensure that is the case.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected reports about the ship’s conditions. He called them “completely misrepresented.”