USS Lincoln Sailors Attempt Suicide

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed that eight service members in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its extended Iran-war deployment. Cao said one sailor went overboard in early August and was rescued, while shipmates stopped another sailor in March. The strike group spent more than 300 days at sea, far beyond a typical six- to seven-month deployment. Its tour included long gaps without port visits, combat operations, and complaints about food, plumbing, supplies, and morale. The Navy had earlier said it saw no increase in suicidal thoughts or attempts. Cao told Senator Kirsten Gillibrand the ship had chaplains and counseling, while Gillibrand said leaders dismissed sailors’ problems. No one died by suicide. Oversight questions remain.