The US Navy has revealed that eight of its personnel attempted suicide while serving on board the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln during combat operations against Iran. According to a letter obtained by CNN, the attempts occurred while the ship was on a lengthy deployment, setting a record for the longest time at sea. The incidents involved personnel from various ships, including the aircraft carrier, its air wing, and accompanying destroyers.
The attempts were disclosed by acting US Navy Secretary, Hong Cao, in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Cao confirmed that no fatalities resulted from the incidents, which occurred between 6,000 to 7,000 personnel who deployed on the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group on board around six ships. The group's deployment included extensive combat operations against Iran, with the aircraft carrier staying at sea for over six months without port visits.
The rate of suicide attempts among Lincoln's crew is comparable to the overall US Navy rate in 2024, with 356 attempts recorded out of approximately 337,000 active-duty personnel. Cao's letter stated that the incidents involved crew members from various units, including the aircraft carrier, its air wing, and destroyers. The incidents highlight the mental health challenges faced by military personnel during extended deployments.
A US military official described the eight attempts as "extremely high," noting that recent deployments typically saw one or two incidents per year. The official cited the intense pressure of combat operations, combined with the lack of port visits and constant alertness, as contributing factors. The incidents have raised concerns about the mental health support provided to personnel during deployments.
The Abraham Lincoln was equipped with various mental health resources, including five chaplains, a mental health counselor, a psychologist, a clinical social worker, and three behavioral health technicians. The ship also had a dedicated support dog for stress relief. Despite these resources, the incidents demonstrate the complexities of maintaining crew well-being during high-stress deployments.
Previous reports indicated that two sailors from the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group jumped into the sea during the deployment, but were rescued. Another incident involved a sailor who fell overboard in early August but was quickly recovered and received medical treatment on board. These incidents underscore the need for effective mental health support and resources for military personnel.
The disclosure of the suicide attempts highlights the challenges faced by military personnel during combat deployments. The US Navy has taken steps to address mental health concerns, including providing resources and support for personnel. The incidents will likely inform future efforts to promote crew well-being and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Eight US Navy personnel attempted suicide on board the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln during combat operations against Iran.
- The incidents occurred during a lengthy deployment, with the aircraft carrier staying at sea for over six months without port visits.
- The US Navy has taken steps to address mental health concerns, including providing resources and support for personnel.
