Hegseth's Generals Cull Sparks Outrage

Hegseth's decision to cut 20% of generals and admirals has sparked controversy among lawmakers and experts. The move is part of a broader effort to retool the US military and reduce its reliance on diversity programs, according to Hegseth.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which was extended and spent over 250 consecutive days at sea without a port visit, setting a navy record, was welcomed back by Hegseth in San Diego after a lengthy deployment. Hegseth told USS Lincoln sailors that the controversial deployment 'wasn't easy.'

The Timeline

The USS Abraham Lincoln, with roughly 5,000 sailors and marines onboard, left San Diego in November 2025. The Lincoln was redirected to the Middle East, to support US operations in the region.

Adm Brad Cooper, who heads US Central Command, described the deployment as 'one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.'

The deployment was extended several times, with the USS Lincoln and its strike group spending a total of 270 days at sea. This was a significant increase from the typical 180-day deployment, which had been the standard for the past decade.

The USS Lincoln's deployment was also notable for its lack of port visits. The ship and its crew spent over 250 consecutive days at sea without a port visit, setting a new record for the US Navy.

What The Filing Says

Reports emerged over the summer of shortages of food and basic supplies, and deteriorating mental health and morale among some crew members.

Two crew members had attempted to jump overboard, and eight service members from the Lincoln and its strike group had attempted suicide during the deployment.

The USS Lincoln's deployment was also marked by a series of incidents, including a fire on board the ship and a collision with a civilian vessel.

Hegseth's Response

Hegseth announced that those onboard the vessel would be awarded the presidential unit citation.

This decision was seen as a way to boost morale among the crew, but it was also criticized by some lawmakers and experts, who argued that it did not address the underlying issues that led to the deployment's problems.

The Human Cost

Hung Cao, the acting navy secretary, acknowledged that eight service members from the Lincoln and its strike group had attempted suicide during the deployment.

Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democratic senator, criticized Hegseth, stating that 'our service members deserve better than a photo-op. They deserve real accountability for this administration's failures.'

Hegseth's decision to cut 20% of generals and admirals has sparked controversy among lawmakers and experts. The move is part of a broader effort to retool the US military and reduce its reliance on diversity programs, according to Hegseth.

The cuts are expected to save the US military around $1 billion over the next five years. However, some lawmakers and experts have questioned the wisdom of cutting experienced leaders, arguing that it could lead to a decline in military effectiveness.

Hegseth has argued that the cuts are necessary to reduce the US military's reliance on diversity programs, which he believes are a waste of resources. However, some lawmakers and experts have criticized this argument, pointing out that diversity programs are an important part of the US military's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

The controversy surrounding Hegseth's decision has sparked a wider debate about the role of diversity programs in the US military. Some lawmakers and experts have argued that diversity programs are essential for promoting diversity and inclusion, while others have argued that they are a waste of resources.

The debate is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months, as lawmakers and experts weigh in on the issue. In the meantime, the USS Lincoln and its crew will be awarded the presidential unit citation, but the underlying issues that led to the deployment's problems remain unaddressed.