Sailors attempt suicide aboard USS Abraham Lincoln amid extended Iran deployment

Published Aug 12, 04:43 PM UTC

The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier deployed to the Persian Gulf since November 2025, is experiencing a severe morale and mental health crisis. Multiple sailors have attempted to jump overboard, and family members report suicidal ideation among crew. The deployment, originally intended to end in May 2026, has been indefinitely extended due to the Trump administration's conflict with Iran. Conditions aboard include food shortages, water contamination, plumbing failures, and disrupted mail delivery. In heated town hall meetings, acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao faced families expressing fear over self-harm and guilt over alleged civilian casualties. President Trump has publicly praised the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, appearing unaware or indifferent to the crisis.