The US Navy has confirmed that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a lengthy deployment that included the country's war against Iran. The deployment, which began in late November 2025, was expected to end in May but has been extended indefinitely. The confirmation comes amid mounting public disapproval of the Iran war and reports of logistical and maintenance problems on the carrier.
According to a letter from the US Navy's acting secretary, Hung Cao, the eight sailors attempted suicide during the deployment, which covers several ships that travel together, including the carrier. Cao noted that no service members had killed themselves during the deployment. The news was previously disclosed by media outlets, citing crew members' families, who reported that collapsing morale, burnout, and mental health problems had driven several sailors to attempt to jump overboard.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has faced significant challenges during its deployment, including food and basic-supply shortages, a lack of hot and potable water, and plumbing failures. The carrier's tour of duty began in late November 2025 and has been extended indefinitely. In August, military outlets reported that the ship was finally heading home from its extended deployment, but it has since made a short logistics stop in Guam, officially marking the tenth month of its tour of duty.
The confirmation of suicide attempts comes ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, amid mounting public disapproval of the Iran war. A recent poll conducted by SSRS for CNN suggested that Americans' opposition to the war in the Islamic Republic had hardened, with nearly two-thirds saying the US is not winning the conflict and an even larger share saying President Donald Trump is not doing enough to end it.
The US Navy's disclosure of the suicide attempts follows reports of problems involving weapons supplies and the extended deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Pentagon has moved to dismiss senior editorial staff at Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination, after the outlet reported on US military operations in the Middle East. The moves came after senior staff publicly opposed potential Pentagon interference in the outlet's editorial independence.
The issue of military mental health has gained significant attention in recent months, with several high-profile cases of military personnel struggling with mental health issues. The US Navy has faced criticism for its handling of mental health issues among its personnel, with some lawmakers calling for increased support and resources for military mental health services.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently deployed in the Middle East, where the US has been engaged in a conflict with Iran. The deployment has been extended indefinitely, and the ship's crew has faced significant challenges, including logistical and maintenance problems. The US Navy has confirmed that it is taking steps to support the mental health and well-being of its personnel.
Key points
- Eight US Navy personnel assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a ten-month deployment that included the war against Iran.
- The deployment, which began in late November 2025, was expected to end in May but has been extended indefinitely.
- The US Navy has confirmed that it is taking steps to support the mental health and well-being of its personnel.
