Eight Navy personnel assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group have attempted suicide since the start of its extended deployment, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao revealed in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. This disclosure comes in response to Gillibrand's inquiries regarding the well-being of sailors amid mounting concerns from family members about deteriorating mental health and grim conditions onboard.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed since November of last year, operating for more than 250 uninterrupted days at sea this year, primarily in the Middle East supporting the U.S. war against Iran. The prolonged deployment, which exceeded the typical six to seven months and was extended after the war began in February, has led to reports of food shortages, supply issues, and faulty plumbing.
The eight suicide attempts encompass sailors from the Lincoln aircraft carrier, its air wing, escorting destroyers, and destroyer squadron staff. While no suicides have been completed, the letter from Cao addressed concerns about the conditions and medical resources, noting the presence of five chaplains and multiple mental health professionals to support the crew. The Navy had previously denied a widespread mental health crisis, despite acknowledging supply challenges.
