Navy Secretary Reveals Eight Suicide Attempts on USS Abraham Lincoln During Record Iran Deployment
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed to Congress that eight sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a record-breaking deployment. The group, comprising roughly 6,000 to 7,000 personnel, remained at sea for over 286 days without port calls while conducting combat operations against Iran. Although no service members died by suicide, the incident rate was significantly higher than typical deployments, which usually see one or two attempts per year. The carrier is currently returning to San Diego after setting a modern record for time at sea.
Key points
- Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed eight suicide attempts across the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
- The strike group, including the carrier, airwing, and escorting destroyers, deployed for over 286 days without port calls, setting a modern record for time at sea.
- No service members died by suicide during the deployment, but the rate of attempts was far higher than the typical one or two per year on similar deployments.
- The carrier conducted high-rate combat operations against Iran, with conditions described as more strained than normal deployments due to constant alerts and lack of rest.
- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized the administration for dismissing reports of deteriorating conditions for service members as 'fake news' while failing to provide adequate support.
Background
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group deployed for an extended period, remaining at sea for over 286 days without port calls. This deployment included combat operations against Iran and set a modern record for time at sea. Previous reports indicated that two sailors jumped overboard but were rescued, and others were prevented from jumping. The carrier disembarked in Thailand on September 1 and is returning to San Diego. The deployment was marked by low morale, frequent closures of toilets and water fountains, and unavailable hot water, according to crew members.
Why it matters
The high number of suicide attempts during the USS Abraham Lincoln's record deployment highlights the severe mental health strain on sailors during extended combat operations without port calls. It raises concerns about the adequacy of mental health resources and the impact of prolonged deployments on service member well-being. The disclosure by the Navy Secretary and criticism from Senator Gillibrand underscore the need for improved support and conditions for military personnel in high-stress environments.
What to watch
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to return to San Diego in the coming weeks. The Navy may face increased scrutiny regarding mental health support and deployment conditions. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and other lawmakers may push for further investigations or policy changes to address the well-being of service members during extended deployments.
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