Former JCS Chairman’s warning: Prolonged deployments reduce military readiness

Washington: Amid concerns regarding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during tensions with Iran, former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has warned that prolonged military deployments are exhausting troops and impacting future readiness.
Mullen stated on Sunday that a year-long deployment is excessively long and places immense strain on ships, service members, and their families.
He told ABC News, “You wear yourself out. In reality, you are significantly jeopardizing future readiness.”
The aircraft carrier has spent 268 days at sea. According to the schedule, its 5,000 sailors and Marines have spent over 200 consecutive days without stopping at any port.
The Lincoln has supported US combat operations in the Middle East and patrols in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports have highlighted concerns regarding fatigue, declining morale, and mental health issues aboard the carrier.
President Donald Trump dismissed concerns that the deployment had become too long.
When asked about the duration, Mullen said, “No, no, no,” and added, “Not that long.”
He noted that such deployments are “critical” and “difficult.”
He explained that carriers typically visit ports to allow troops to rest and to facilitate maintenance work.
However, he pointed out that during the tensions with Iran, the ports in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—commonly used by the US Navy—were at risk.
Iran had also targeted Diego Garcia, complicating efforts to find safe locations.
Mullen said, “So, there isn’t an easy place to go for port visits.” The retired admiral stated that he had spoken with US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper, who had visited the Lincoln.
Cooper informed him that several issues had arisen early in the deployment but had since been resolved.
However, Mullen warned that morale-related issues needed to be addressed.
He praised the performance of the carrier’s crew during continuous combat operations.
He said, “These crews will do everything possible to make the mission a success. And they have clearly done just that on the Lincoln.”
The USS George Washington is expected to replace the Lincoln.
Cooper told the crew they would be returning home, although no specific date was announced. Mullen remarked, “I can tell you how much morale improves when you know—even without a firm date—that relief is coming.”
He also stated that if the US wishes to continue deployments at the current pace, the Navy must expand its existing fleet of 11 aircraft carriers.
Mullen added, “I think that under current circumstances, if we are going to deploy them this way, we actually need more ships.”