The acting U.S. Navy Secretary revealed that eight personnel in the carrier strike group aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln attempted suicide during the extended mission, which included combat operations against Iran. However, no deaths resulted from these suicide attempts, while questions have been raised about the crew's living conditions and mental health.
Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed that eight U.S. Navy personnel assigned to the carrier strike group on the USS Abraham Lincoln attempted suicide during a prolonged deployment. This figure was revealed in a response letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York on 22 September.
The data covers personnel from multiple elements of the carrier strike group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln crew, embarked air wing, strike group and destroyer staff, escort destroyers, and air wings operating from the ship. It was noted that no personnel died by suicide during this mission.
The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group has about 6,000 to 7,000 sailors serving on roughly six ships. The aircraft carrier remained at sea for several months, with its original mission ending in May extended multiple times before joining operations in the Middle East and combat duties against Iran.
The U.S. Navy stated that the ship has various mental health resources, including five chaplains, wellness and prevention counselors, psychologists, clinical social workers, behavioral health specialists, and service dogs to address the emotional and psychological needs of personnel.
Previously, some sailors' families expressed concerns about mental health and living conditions, citing the lengthy mission, supply shortages, plumbing and water issues, and lack of port visits for extended periods. Meanwhile, the Navy previously affirmed no evidence of a mental health crisis on board and said medical and mental health staff were available to provide assistance.
Cao's letter also confirmed one sailor fell overboard in early August but was quickly rescued and treated. Additionally, in March, another sailor attempted to jump overboard but was stopped by colleagues, received medical care, and later returned to the U.S.
Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the previous administration’s response under President Donald Trump to reports about personnel living conditions, stating that the issues should be seriously examined and addressed.
The Navy’s data indicates suicide attempts are a significant concern, with related behavior statistics continuously monitored. Figures may be updated as investigations into incidents conclude.
A study published in January 2025 surveying 956 U.S. sailors found personnel aboard Navy ships experience significantly higher levels of severe psychological distress compared to other service branches. The study cited unique stressors of shipboard life, such as living conditions, noise, and demanding schedules that reduce sleep and rest.
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed California in November last year, initially heading to the South China Sea before being redirected to the Middle East. Its mission was extended multiple times. The ship is currently returning to the U.S. after this record-long deployment, with the crew stopping in Thailand for rest before continuing home.
The U.S. Navy stated the deployment lasted 266 days, including about 200 days in the combat zone, and emphasized that personnel welfare remains a key priority for commanders.
Source: CNN / BBC