US Navy Confirms Multiple Suicide Attempts Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln During Extended Middle East Deployment
Photo: Collected
Eight service members attempted suicide during an extended deployment aboard a United States aircraft carrier sent to the Middle East, according to the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The disclosure emerged from a letter written by Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao in response to an inquiry from Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand regarding conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The document was obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The USS Abraham Lincoln began its deployment in November of last year, remaining at sea continuously for 286 days without making any port calls. The mission sparked extensive media reports in the United States regarding deteriorating living conditions and the mental health of the crew, while also drawing criticism over US policies concerning Iran.
In the letter, Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that a total of eight suicide attempts occurred across the entire strike group following its deployment. However, no service members died by suicide during the mission.
The letter highlighted two specific incidents. In the first, which occurred in early August, a sailor assigned to the carrier's air wing fell overboard and was subsequently rescued by a search and rescue helicopter before being evacuated for medical treatment. In the second incident, which took place last March, a sailor attempted to jump overboard but was intercepted by fellow crew members and later returned to base.
The USS Abraham Lincoln initially departed California in November 2025 bound for the South China Sea before being redirected to the Middle East. The carrier's path was altered prior to joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28. After spending 286 days at sea, the vessel finally made a port stop in Thailand earlier this month.
In August, military families and lawmakers voiced serious concerns over conditions aboard the carrier. Alongside the suicide attempts, complaints emerged regarding severe mental health struggles, food shortages, and unsanitary conditions.
At the time, US President Donald Trump dismissed the allegations. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also contended that the reports depicting the situation aboard the warship were inaccurate.
