Navy Secretary Confirms Eight Suicide Attempts on USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group During Iran War
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told Congress that eight sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a deployment that included combat operations against Iran. The group, comprising roughly 6,000 to 7,000 personnel across multiple ships, remained at sea for over six months without port calls. While no service members died by suicide, the rate of attempts was significantly higher than typical deployments, which usually see one or two incidents 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 disclosed to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that eight suicide attempts occurred across the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, including the carrier, air wing, and escorting destroyers.
- The deployment lasted over six months, with the carrier setting a modern record for time at sea, and involved high-intensity combat operations against Iran without regular port calls for resupply or rest.
- No service members died by suicide during the deployment, and the overall attempt rate was roughly consistent with the active-duty Navy's 2024 average, though military officials noted the absolute number was 'incredibly high' compared to typical deployments.
- The strike group included between 6,000 and 7,000 sailors, and mental health resources on board included chaplains, psychologists, and behavioral health technicians.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln left the Middle East in August and is expected to return to its home port in San Diego in the coming weeks.
Background
Previous coverage highlighted severe morale issues, supply shortages, and mental health strain aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during its nine-month deployment tied to the Iran conflict. Crew members reported deteriorating conditions, including moldy showers and water shortages, while Democrats demanded accountability. The carrier was replaced by the USS George Washington and is now returning home after a voyage of approximately 13,000 miles.
Why it matters
The disclosure of eight suicide attempts underscores the severe psychological toll of prolonged, high-intensity combat deployments without adequate rest or resupply. It highlights tensions between the Navy's operational demands and the well-being of service members, prompting congressional scrutiny and debate over the sustainability of such deployment tempos in future conflicts.
What to watch
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to arrive in San Diego in the coming weeks. Congressional oversight may continue as lawmakers seek further details on mental health support and deployment conditions. The Navy has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the specific figures disclosed in the letter to Sen. Gillibrand.
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