USS Abraham Lincoln sailor could be disciplined for jumping overboard

A sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln who was rescued after jumping overboard may face nonjudicial punishment, a common disciplinary proceeding in the military for misconduct on or off duty, a source with knowledge of the matter told Task & Purpose.

A nonjudicial punishment, or NJP, falls under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, not a criminal conviction or court-martial, said Phillip Stackhouse, a civilian attorney who often represents service members.

MS NOW first reported that the sailor, whose name has not been publicly released, could face a captain’s mast, a disciplinary hearing overseen by a commanding officer. These types of hearings are typically for “minor misconduct,” according to the Navy.

Families of Lincoln crew members have told MS NOW that the ship’s long deployment combined with difficult conditions aboard the ship have undermined morale. 

The mother of a sailor assigned to the ship who spoke with Task & Purpose for a previous story said that her son told her that one of the Lincoln’s sailors had tried to jump overboard but was stopped, and another crew member was rescued after jumping into the water.

Navy officials have previously said that they had “not identified” an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts aboard the Lincoln. Service officials subsequently said the Navy was sending additional mental health support to the ship. 

A Navy official told Task & Purpose on Thursday that the sailor was medically evacuated from the ship, evaluated by medical professionals, and has access to “appropriate care and support.”

“Medical care and administrative or disciplinary processes are separate, and one does not preclude the other,” the Navy official said in a statement. “Most importantly though, command decisions associated with the adjudication of administrative or disciplinary matters are always guided with an eye towards accomplishing the mission. When circumstances arise that have mission impacts, it is incumbent upon all commanders to take decisive action.”

The official did not say what type of disciplinary action the sailor might face.

“Because this involves an individual sailor’s protected medical information and an ongoing personnel matter, we cannot discuss the specific evidence, medical care or ongoing proceedings,” the official said.

Ultimately, the sailor’s commanding officer will likely decide whether to proceed with nonjudicial punishment, said Jeremiah Sullivan, a civilian attorney and former Navy staff judge advocate.

In that scenario, the sailor would not have the right to refuse a captain’s mast because he is attached to a ship that is still underway, Sullivan told Task & Purpose. 

“He can confer with counsel beforehand, but there’s no counsel at NJP, and there’s no right to refuse on a ship,” Sullivan said.

Defense officials have released little information on the incident involving the sailor from the Lincoln. Central Command officials wrote in a social media post earlier this month that “one sailor who fell overboard Aug. 3 was quickly and safely recovered,” without elaborating further.

The Lincoln left San Diego, California, in November and arrived in the Middle East in January. The ship spent months supporting military operations against Iran and a blockade of Iranian ports before leaving the region last week. The aircraft carrier will reportedly stop in Thailand on its way home for its first port call in more than 250 days.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 and you’ll be connected to trained counselors.