Elliot Ackerman joins BBC World Service’s Outside Source to discuss conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, the strain of extended deployments, and the broader course of the war with Iran.

Life Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln

Ackerman explains why long deployments at sea can be physically and psychologically demanding, especially when crews are unable to make regular port calls. He places the current conditions aboard the Lincoln within the broader realities of wartime military service.

Military Strain and the Iran War

The conversation distinguishes concerns about sailors’ welfare from criticism of U.S. strategy in Iran. Ackerman argues that both issues deserve attention, but they should not be conflated for political purposes.

The Civil-Military Divide

Ackerman also discusses the disconnect between civilian perceptions of military service and the realities experienced by those serving during wartime, particularly during prolonged deployments and sustained combat operations.

Iran’s Political Strategy

The interview examines Iran’s use of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage and the role of domestic U.S. politics. Ackerman argues that Tehran understands the importance of American election cycles and may seek to prolong the conflict while applying political pressure at home.

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