U.S. Navy Confirms 8 Suicide Attempts on USS Lincoln Strike Group During Record Deployment
The U.S. Navy confirmed eight suicide attempts among personnel of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group during a 286-day deployment, the longest for a modern U.S. carrier. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed the figure in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The deployment was extended due to U.S. operations related to the Iran conflict, with crews going approximately 250 days without a port call. No suicides occurred. The Navy acknowledged food and supply delays, with main meal options temporarily reduced from two to one.
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US Navy Confirms 8 Suicide Attempts on Lincoln Carrier Strike Group During Record Deployment
The U.S. Navy has officially confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group experienced eight suicide attempts during its extended deployment, which lasted 286 days. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed the figure in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who had requested information on crew mental health and living conditions. The incidents occurred across the entire strike group, not just the carrier itself. The deployment, originally scheduled to end in May, was prolonged due to U.S. operations related to the Iran conflict. Crew members went approximately 250 days without a port call, setting a modern U.S. Navy record. Reports of deteriorating mental health, including crew members attempting to jump overboard, had surfaced months earlier. Cao confirmed at least two specific incidents: one in March where a sailor was prevented from jumping, and another in August where a sailor fell overboard and was rescued. No suicides were reported. The Navy acknowledged delays in food and hygiene supply deliveries, with main meal options reduced from two to one at times. Navy leaders had previously downplayed reports of a mental health crisis, but the official confirmation has prompted continued congressional scrutiny of long-deployment conditions.
Read sourceUS Senator Confirms Eight Suicide Attempts on USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group
New York Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has confirmed that eight suicide attempts occurred among Navy personnel deployed with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. The confirmation, provided to The Guardian, follows a letter from Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao in response to Gillibrand's inquiries. The letter stated that no suicides occurred but documented eight suicide attempts across the strike group, including crew, air wing, and escort personnel. The Navy's response also claimed that medical and mental health staffing was sufficient to meet all needs, contradicting the severity of the incidents. Additionally, the Navy acknowledged that main course options were temporarily reduced from two to one during combat operations due to limited resupply. Gillibrand criticized the Trump administration for neglecting service members, contrasting funding for bombs and banquets with inadequate support for troops. The report highlights ongoing concerns about military mental health and operational strain during extended deployments.
Eight sailors on USS Lincoln attempted suicide during extended deployment, Navy confirms
Multiple major news outlets report that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during an extended deployment. The information was confirmed by a military official and the Navy Secretary during testimony to Congress. The USS Lincoln was involved in operations against Iran. The reports highlight concerns about mental health and stress among service members during prolonged deployments. The news is covered by NBC News, The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, and the BBC, all citing official Navy sources.
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Eight Sailors on USS Lincoln Strike Group Attempted Suicide, Navy Secretary Tells Congress
The acting U.S. Navy Secretary has confirmed to Congress that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during an extended deployment. The strike group had been involved in operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and had its deployment extended multiple times. The Navy secretary disclosed the information while testifying before a House Appropriations subcommittee, according to multiple news reports. The suicide attempts occurred among personnel on the carrier and its escort ships. The extended deployment and combat operations are cited as contributing factors to the mental health crisis. The Navy is reportedly implementing additional mental health support measures for the affected sailors and the broader strike group. The disclosure has raised concerns about the toll of prolonged deployments on service members' well-being.
Read sourceEight US sailors in USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide, Navy says
The US Navy has confirmed that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group attempted suicide during an extended deployment. The Navy secretary disclosed the information to Congress, noting that the strike group had recently been involved in combat operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces in the Red Sea and also conducted strikes against Iran-linked targets. The extended deployment and high operational tempo are cited as contributing factors to the mental health crisis among the crew. Multiple major news outlets, including BBC, The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, and NBC News, have reported on the incident, citing official Navy statements and military officials. The Navy is reportedly providing mental health support and resources to the affected personnel and the broader strike group.
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