US Navy reports suicide attempts on USS Abraham Lincoln

The Trump administration has confirmed that eight crew members attempted suicide during the recent deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Middle East. The disclosure came in a letter from Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. While there were no reported successful suicides during the mission, the administration confirmed the occurrence of eight distinct attempts, highlighting the significant mental health challenges faced by personnel during the extended deployment tied to the conflict with Iran.

Providing details on specific incidents, the Navy confirmed that one sailor fell overboard in early August but was quickly rescued and evacuated for medical treatment. A second sailor attempted to jump into the sea but was prevented by shipmates and subsequently returned to base. In response to inquiries about crew welfare, the Navy stated that five chaplains were among the resources available to the personnel on board to address mental health needs.

This incident follows broader concerns regarding the wellbeing of sailors on long-term deployments. The administration emphasized that despite the attempts, the structural support systems, including religious and psychological services, remained operational throughout the duration of the deployment in the region.