A teenage sailor who reportedly went overboard from the USS Abraham Lincoln is facing disciplinary action for allegedly avoiding duty and being absent from his assigned post without authorization.
Charging documents reviewed by MS NOW accuse the sailor of violating two sections of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Article 83 covers intentionally pretending to be ill or deliberately injuring oneself to avoid duty, while Article 86 addresses being absent from a required place of duty without authorization.
The sailor faces non-judicial punishment, which allows military commanders to handle alleged misconduct without taking the case to a court-martial. His case is expected to be considered by a commanding officer during a “captain’s mast.”
The sailor could lose up to half of his regular pay, according to MS NOW.
“I think they’re insane for doing this to people who need mental help,” his wife told the outlet. “Instead of giving them help, this is just another huge stressor.”
The sailor went overboard Aug. 3 and remained in the water for approximately one hour before being rescued.
His wife previously said Navy officials did not notify her until four days later. She initially learned about the incident from one of her husband’s friends aboard the aircraft carrier.
According to his wife, the sailor repeatedly expressed concerns about his mental health to both medical personnel and his chain of command before going overboard. She also claimed he repeatedly requested paternity leave following their daughter’s birth in February but was denied.
The sailor returned to the United States on Aug. 13 and spent five days at Naval Medical Center San Diego. His wife alleged that he did not see a psychiatrist or therapist while hospitalized and was directed to return to work following his release.
His first therapy appointment took place Aug. 26.
A Navy official, asked about disciplining sailors in cases involving suicide attempts, said the service is “fully committed to the health and wellbeing of every Sailor” and maintained that “asking for help is a sign of strength.”
The case comes as the Lincoln’s crew returns to California after a nine-month deployment repeatedly extended during the Iran war. More than 5,000 sailors and Marines departed San Diego aboard the carrier on Nov. 21, 2025.
Recent reports have raised concerns about morale, food, plumbing and mental health aboard the ship.
President Donald Trump said Aug. 14 that service members had been deployed “not nearly long enough” and denied that some family members were concerned. Three days later, he dismissed reporting about food shortages as a “CNN fake report.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also accused the media of misrepresenting conditions aboard the Lincoln, saying its sailors were proud of their mission.
Another service member’s wife, however, called the administration’s denials of the allegedly “appalling” conditions “infuriating,” telling CNN support disappears “until our troops need support.”
[READ MORE: James Carville Tries to Reject Trump Victory Narrative In spite of Big Wins]
