The aircraft carrier - the USS Abraham Lincoln - has been deployed at sea for over 250 days. That sets a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea. As a result of the extended deployment - mental health concerns on board are growing. Stars and Stripes and the Navy Times - both are independent publications reporting on military news - report that several sailors on the Abe Lincoln have attempted to jump overboard and on August 3 a sailor did jump overboard into rough seas - but was rescued by a military helicopter. For the record - the Defense Department and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth - do have direct oversight and control of the independent publication. The publication has confidently reported on the deteriorating conditions on the aircraft carrier.
Along with concerns of mental health issues on board the aircraft carrier - there are disturbing reports of food shortages, water contamination, plumbing problems, and a shortage of basic supplies. These reports come directly from the families of service members on board the ship - along with social media posts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bashed the negative reports about conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln and described them as “completely misrepresented.” As we have learned from experience - the current President of the United States is not capable of ever being wrong and his obsession with the Reflecting Pool and the reality that there is a lack of evidence to support the president’s claim that left-wing vandals vandalized the pool. That’s why the Department of Justice dropped charges against the man the president directly blamed for vandalizing the pool. The DOJ admitted that there was no evidence upon which to prosecute the individual.
Based on the need for anyone who works for him to satisfy his ego - it is logical that Pete Hegseth is just echoing what the president wants and not being honest with the American people regarding the condition of Abraham Lincoln.
In an interview with the Trump-protecting cable news network - Newsmax - Hegseth did not directly address the negative reports of the bad conditions on the Lincoln. Hegseth never said those reports were false. He only said that they were "completely misrepresented,” which can mean a lot of things. For Hegseth - or for those who made critical comments about my latest video on the Scoot On The Air FaceBook page - they are saying that our sailors are liars. That is not exactly an example of Americans supporting our troops.
Fortunately - the USS George Washington was scheduled about this time to leave Vietnam and replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the war zone near Iran. Relief is coming - but there is no word on exactly when the Lincoln will return stateside. And I can imagine all the interesting interviews that might take place with some of the sailors when they arrive back in the states.
Do you believe Hegseth - a proven mouth-piece for the Trump Administration? Or - do you believe the families of the deployed sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln who are describing the conditions on the Navy ship? The answers are probably inspired by an allegiance - or lack of allegiance to the president. Remember - the truth is not as important as one’s political support for the candidates or the party of their choice. But to side with Hegseth or any mouth-piece for the president is to call our troops liars. And I’m not comfortable calling our troops liars.
