As a military spouse whose husband deployed 6 times over 13 years, I am not sure if people truly understand what a deployment is like and how tense it can be. If you have kids, your spouse is missing major milestones and the CHILD KNOWS IT. If they are young, they lose precious opportunity to bond with their soldier parent. Anything and everything that can go wrong with your house does, like Murphy's Law. Communication with your spouse is difficult- many times they are on missions they can't talk about and spouses don't want to put the burden of family problems on the deployed spouse. Now to hear they've been gone so long when that is not the standard is horrifying. Sometimes knowing you come back to your family is the only thing keeping you going. And trust me, the families suffer as well. We already are worried about our loved one being killed. We don't need to add on that it might be suicide that kills our loved one.
Time to start calling our reps in Congress and complaining about this. I want my tax dollars to be spent on taking care of our ment and women who are serving--not on DonOld's vanity projects!
Annie, I can imagine, which is why I am outraged that Congress is incapable of intervening. My heart goes out to you and all the families who have family members deployed on these ships.
I am a former teacher and I have had students with deployed parents. My former colleagues is working right now at a DOD school in Germany where she has students with deployed parents. We understand the stress. It is all horrifying, but not surprising. I read Project 2025 and this is what that text sounds like. I knew morale would be destroyed with what was planned, and this is not even listed. Everything is morale destroying. Look even Carolyn Leavitt quit after she found out that Trump put her on a plane that was a decoy and supposed to draw fire away from Trump. Everyone is dispensable to this President.
May your loved ones come home safely and get the help they need.
I can't even imagine :( This situation they are describing is infuriating and heartbreaking. And all Kegsbreath can say is "Fake News". How does this help out servicemen and women??
Thank you, Annie. I come from a military family since WWII, with one extended family member a recipient of the Medal of Honor, awarded him by President Obama. Both he and another military family member (and their families) are Trump supporters. Sadly, they are not uncommon and often end up in hate groups post discharge. I wonder what will become of the poor conscripts of the Abraham Lincoln? DJT/Hegseth’s obsession over imagined masculinity while belittling their humanness is poisonous, to say the least.
I have SO much trouble understanding why veterans would EVER support Trump. He cares nothing for them—or anyone. After all, he thinks they are ‘suckers and losers.’
It’s been a real head-scratcher for me, too - a significant number of the Jan 6ers were ex-military and I can’t imagine it’s improved since then. One must wonder how many ICE recruits are ex-military...
Nobody “volunteered” for this. I’m truly disgusted and ashamed not only by the grotesque physical and mental abuse, but by just how casually it’s all being dismissed by so-called patriots who’ve no concept of service, or even Country, frankly. Truly, my heart bleeds for you.
Anne, I am so sorry. I know that isn’t an adequate response, but please know that I care and will contact my representatives to lodge my concerns. Blessings to you, your son, and the crew. If there’s anything I (we) can do to help during this difficult time, please let me know. I stand with you in support.
"Democratic lawmakers have begun to demand answers." What I can't fathom (pun not intended) is why not a single Trumplican Congress critter has joined them. Do they really think Hegseth and Cao are doing a good job?
More stress to help solve the problems might be a necessary discomfort. I think knowing that someone will listen to them and try to help, might alleviate some of the distress, Steve.
this is the sht that happens when you have literally the world's most incompetent administration. I agree the orange gibbon is never getting us out of this war, he doesn't know how. Honestly I just hope we can vote out enough of the loyal Congress to start cleaning up the WH.
I thought Thomas Massey might stand up for the sailors, at least. And there are a handful of other conservative legislators who have occasionally shown some spine when it comes to defending government programs they support. But I guess they're too afraid of King Donald to speak out about this.
I thought Senator Wicker might actually come through, he said some possibly intelligent things at one of the hearings a couple of months ago. But he’s been AWOL on this whole mess
Why are they afraid? What can he do that he hasn't tried? He's losing in court, he's losing at the polls, even his lies can't be believed. Why be afraid, they would take him down and be the heroes....
It's a cult. And cult members will unequivocally live and die for their leader. Took Turkey 16 years and a bit of a revolution to get out from under their authoritarianism. No telling if/when we'll get out from under this shit show without a rebellion of some sort.
Billions of dollars and they can't feed our soldiers???
I believe all of this -- and yet it doesn't really make any sense. *Why* place these soldiers into such deplorable conditions? What purpose does it serve?
"On the showers, officials suggested what sailors took for mold might actually be mildew caused by the ship’s ventilation system..." -- oh, well, if it's mildew and not mold, never mind, all good, carry on.
I am guessing that the level of incompetence in the leadership, all the way up to the wretched "Commander in Chief", unfortunately makes perfect sense as the root of the cause of this wretched, heart-breaking situation.
I think it was Napoleon who observed that an army marches on its stomach. True military leaders understand that maintaining supply lines is crucial; history is full of examples of military defeats being directly caused by failed supply lines. But Hegseth, who believes that testosterone is more important than being fed, can’t grasp that. His approach to his job is completely performative; he thinks that grimacing and raising his voice is all that’s needed. Even more to the point, Hegseth, along with the rest of the Republican Party, only view our service members as a means to an end, not as human beings.
What I find particularly infuriating is the Navy’s response that it is supplying counseling services to the sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln. That’s a perfect example of rearranging the furniture while the house is burning down. All the counseling in the world is not going to help sailors who are malnourished and living in unsanitary conditions. And I say that as a clinical mental health counselor myself.
The answer to why these conditions when historic amounts are being budgeted to the military pertains to the condition of the entire country as well. We have NO IDEA where the money is going but we can all make a good guess. What happened on the USS Abraham Lincoln is soon going to happen across this country, especially when people realize that the White Knight of November Elections ain't coming.
Back in summer camp we would sing a song called "What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor". One of the lines was "Put him in the bilge and make him drink it". A fitting punishment for Hegseth.
I can't understand how anyone in the Military can support this administration.
Hegseth is going to make sure our military troops are combat ready, testosterone anyone?
The orange blight will probably slip the noose. But Hegseth and the rest of the orange blight's enablers will face criminal charges and convictions. People are dying while they are in power. Both the US Courts and the International Courts should hold the entire regime accountable.
I still haven't forgotten Trump's disgraceful commentary on prisoners of war. It's always baffled me how much support Trump has from the military given his obvious disdain for our soldiers.
Unfortunately, it's not just Trump. The Republicans in general have just as little interest in funding for the welfare of our troops as they do for funding the social safety net.
I know. I think about it all the time. Saying he "liked people who weren't captured" would've ended anyone else's campaign. That it didn't end his was an appalling sign for the future.
If the only thing they see for situation awareness is from Fox, of course some will think Dear Leader is the other Son of God. Only thing they don’t hear is Which son he is. The one who tried to seize the throne.
But reality has a habit of sneaking up behind you and biting you on the but. It’s getting there.
The most incompetent have taken over the entire country. With the Navy in this condition (and this is likely just the tip of the iceberg) any outside force toying with an attack on the US will now see ample opportunity.
As a military spouse whose husband deployed 6 times over 13 years, I am not sure if people truly understand what a deployment is like and how tense it can be. If you have kids, your spouse is missing major milestones and the CHILD KNOWS IT. If they are young, they lose precious opportunity to bond with their soldier parent. Anything and everything that can go wrong with your house does, like Murphy's Law. Communication with your spouse is difficult- many times they are on missions they can't talk about and spouses don't want to put the burden of family problems on the deployed spouse. Now to hear they've been gone so long when that is not the standard is horrifying. Sometimes knowing you come back to your family is the only thing keeping you going. And trust me, the families suffer as well. We already are worried about our loved one being killed. We don't need to add on that it might be suicide that kills our loved one.
Thank you for this perspective
It's heartbreaking — and as much as the Republicans love to bluster about how they love the military, they just don't care.
I have always seen through it. I hope others are now as well.
Time to start calling our reps in Congress and complaining about this. I want my tax dollars to be spent on taking care of our ment and women who are serving--not on DonOld's vanity projects!
Annie, I can imagine, which is why I am outraged that Congress is incapable of intervening. My heart goes out to you and all the families who have family members deployed on these ships.
I am a former teacher and I have had students with deployed parents. My former colleagues is working right now at a DOD school in Germany where she has students with deployed parents. We understand the stress. It is all horrifying, but not surprising. I read Project 2025 and this is what that text sounds like. I knew morale would be destroyed with what was planned, and this is not even listed. Everything is morale destroying. Look even Carolyn Leavitt quit after she found out that Trump put her on a plane that was a decoy and supposed to draw fire away from Trump. Everyone is dispensable to this President.
May your loved ones come home safely and get the help they need.
Domestic violence can increase when these service members return home and don't have access to the services that help them heal.
I can't even imagine :( This situation they are describing is infuriating and heartbreaking. And all Kegsbreath can say is "Fake News". How does this help out servicemen and women??
Thank you, Annie. I come from a military family since WWII, with one extended family member a recipient of the Medal of Honor, awarded him by President Obama. Both he and another military family member (and their families) are Trump supporters. Sadly, they are not uncommon and often end up in hate groups post discharge. I wonder what will become of the poor conscripts of the Abraham Lincoln? DJT/Hegseth’s obsession over imagined masculinity while belittling their humanness is poisonous, to say the least.
I have SO much trouble understanding why veterans would EVER support Trump. He cares nothing for them—or anyone. After all, he thinks they are ‘suckers and losers.’
It’s been a real head-scratcher for me, too - a significant number of the Jan 6ers were ex-military and I can’t imagine it’s improved since then. One must wonder how many ICE recruits are ex-military...
Nobody “volunteered” for this. I’m truly disgusted and ashamed not only by the grotesque physical and mental abuse, but by just how casually it’s all being dismissed by so-called patriots who’ve no concept of service, or even Country, frankly. Truly, my heart bleeds for you.
My husband's son was on two deployments to the middle east, and your comments are spot on.
Anne, I am so sorry. I know that isn’t an adequate response, but please know that I care and will contact my representatives to lodge my concerns. Blessings to you, your son, and the crew. If there’s anything I (we) can do to help during this difficult time, please let me know. I stand with you in support.
"Democratic lawmakers have begun to demand answers." What I can't fathom (pun not intended) is why not a single Trumplican Congress critter has joined them. Do they really think Hegseth and Cao are doing a good job?
It’s a cult
What I want to know is whether they intend to visit the ships. I think they should in order to get first evidence of what the deal is.
They definitely should, but accommodating a congressional delegation would put even more stress on the crew.
More stress to help solve the problems might be a necessary discomfort. I think knowing that someone will listen to them and try to help, might alleviate some of the distress, Steve.
I imagine taking a "tour" of a ship while deployed during a war is not going to happen. I get the sentiment, it's just not a good idea.
I was thinking small groups embed and several of them. There needs to be light. This war is not going to end, and something needs to be done.
this is the sht that happens when you have literally the world's most incompetent administration. I agree the orange gibbon is never getting us out of this war, he doesn't know how. Honestly I just hope we can vote out enough of the loyal Congress to start cleaning up the WH.
Yes, Pam. That is the goal. GOTV. I wrote a piece the other day about push back from Abroad.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/americans-abroad-want-to-help-too?r=f0qfn
Too bad, I bet they couldn't help taking selfies on deck and sending out Signal!
Are you really surprised?
I thought Thomas Massey might stand up for the sailors, at least. And there are a handful of other conservative legislators who have occasionally shown some spine when it comes to defending government programs they support. But I guess they're too afraid of King Donald to speak out about this.
There is absolutely NO REPUBLICAN that I place any faith in to do the right thing!
I thought Senator Wicker might actually come through, he said some possibly intelligent things at one of the hearings a couple of months ago. But he’s been AWOL on this whole mess
Wicker is Mississippian and Republican. Not a caring combination. I say this especially because that is the state my dad came from.
Why are they afraid? What can he do that he hasn't tried? He's losing in court, he's losing at the polls, even his lies can't be believed. Why be afraid, they would take him down and be the heroes....
It's a cult. And cult members will unequivocally live and die for their leader. Took Turkey 16 years and a bit of a revolution to get out from under their authoritarianism. No telling if/when we'll get out from under this shit show without a rebellion of some sort.
I don't get it either Alyce. I wonder if they're all in the epstein files.
Billions of dollars and they can't feed our soldiers???
I believe all of this -- and yet it doesn't really make any sense. *Why* place these soldiers into such deplorable conditions? What purpose does it serve?
"On the showers, officials suggested what sailors took for mold might actually be mildew caused by the ship’s ventilation system..." -- oh, well, if it's mildew and not mold, never mind, all good, carry on.
Remember there was a large group of top officers who took retirement when trump took office. They took knowledge of how to run a military with them!
Or were forced out.
I am guessing that the level of incompetence in the leadership, all the way up to the wretched "Commander in Chief", unfortunately makes perfect sense as the root of the cause of this wretched, heart-breaking situation.
They are stealing the money intended for our military- period, end of story. The GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL GRIFT IS ON, AND BETTER THAN EVER!
Authoritarians use and discard people, look at pootins death rate. I want to know who's pockets more than a trillion dollars has landed in?
The billions have to go into the pocket of their cronies, ya know.
Its a blockade, no ships in or out, so no replenishment at sea for our sailors.
Disgraceful and disrespectful treatment of our service members, and then gaslightling us that it is all "fake news"...Shameful
I think it was Napoleon who observed that an army marches on its stomach. True military leaders understand that maintaining supply lines is crucial; history is full of examples of military defeats being directly caused by failed supply lines. But Hegseth, who believes that testosterone is more important than being fed, can’t grasp that. His approach to his job is completely performative; he thinks that grimacing and raising his voice is all that’s needed. Even more to the point, Hegseth, along with the rest of the Republican Party, only view our service members as a means to an end, not as human beings.
What I find particularly infuriating is the Navy’s response that it is supplying counseling services to the sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln. That’s a perfect example of rearranging the furniture while the house is burning down. All the counseling in the world is not going to help sailors who are malnourished and living in unsanitary conditions. And I say that as a clinical mental health counselor myself.
Drug em up, they don't need so much food. Kegsbreath is evil.
The answer to why these conditions when historic amounts are being budgeted to the military pertains to the condition of the entire country as well. We have NO IDEA where the money is going but we can all make a good guess. What happened on the USS Abraham Lincoln is soon going to happen across this country, especially when people realize that the White Knight of November Elections ain't coming.
The Dems will win in November so long as we all get out and vote.
Ain't working all that well in racial redistricting thus far.
thanks, Jay - as usual, a fact-based, hard-hitting column that tells the whole ghastly story.
Back in summer camp we would sing a song called "What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor". One of the lines was "Put him in the bilge and make him drink it". A fitting punishment for Hegseth.
I can't understand how anyone in the Military can support this administration.
Just a few weeks ago, I read that Pentagon staff were having “lobster flown in” for their meals. Is there no decency within this administration?
No, there is not.
Our service members go hungry while Donald "Marie Antoinette" Trump guilds statues in D.C.
Hegseth is going to make sure our military troops are combat ready, testosterone anyone?
The orange blight will probably slip the noose. But Hegseth and the rest of the orange blight's enablers will face criminal charges and convictions. People are dying while they are in power. Both the US Courts and the International Courts should hold the entire regime accountable.
I still haven't forgotten Trump's disgraceful commentary on prisoners of war. It's always baffled me how much support Trump has from the military given his obvious disdain for our soldiers.
Unfortunately, it's not just Trump. The Republicans in general have just as little interest in funding for the welfare of our troops as they do for funding the social safety net.
I know. I think about it all the time. Saying he "liked people who weren't captured" would've ended anyone else's campaign. That it didn't end his was an appalling sign for the future.
If the only thing they see for situation awareness is from Fox, of course some will think Dear Leader is the other Son of God. Only thing they don’t hear is Which son he is. The one who tried to seize the throne.
But reality has a habit of sneaking up behind you and biting you on the but. It’s getting there.
The most incompetent have taken over the entire country. With the Navy in this condition (and this is likely just the tip of the iceberg) any outside force toying with an attack on the US will now see ample opportunity.
It's *really* not a good look to essentially be calling our servicemembers and their families liars.
Why is there no press coverage - if it's all "fake news" as claimed by the administration surely a legitimate press tour/presence would be useful?
The Guardian has reported on it. I don’t watch tv news so can’t comment on them.
This makes me so angry. I'm a Navy kid and this would never happen when my father was on active duty.