WASHINGTON: Eight US Navy personnel assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its extended deployment, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has disclosed.
Cao revealed the figure in a letter to US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. The senator had asked questions about the welfare and living conditions of personnel serving with the carrier strike group.
The letter said the eight attempts occurred across the strike group. They involved personnel from the Lincoln crew, carrier air wing, strike group staff, destroyer squadron staff, escorting destroyers and aviation squadrons.
No service member died by suicide during the deployment, according to Cao’s response.
Extended Deployment Raised Mental Health Concerns
The USS Abraham Lincoln began its deployment in November 2025.
The carrier spent an extended period at sea while supporting US military operations in the Middle East. Its deployment also included combat operations linked to the US war with Iran.
The carrier spent 286 days at sea before reaching Thailand in early September. The mission had initially been scheduled to end in May. However, the US Navy extended it several times.
Families of service members had raised concerns about the effect of the long deployment on sailors’ mental health.
Reports also described concerns about food supplies, plumbing problems and other conditions aboard the ship.
Navy Cites Mental Health Support
Cao said the carrier had five military chaplains and several mental health professionals.
He said they were available to support the spiritual and emotional needs of the crew.
The Navy has also rejected claims that the ship faced a major mental health crisis. It has said that personnel had access to counseling and other support services.
Cao also confirmed details about two incidents involving sailors who went overboard.
In March, fellow service members stopped one sailor from going overboard. In August, another sailor went overboard but was rescued and received medical treatment before leaving the ship for further care.
Navy Addresses Food and Plumbing Reports
Cao disputed some reports about severe shortages and poor conditions aboard the carrier.
However, he acknowledged several supply and maintenance problems.
He said the ship experienced localized plumbing failures. The carrier also faced problems with its reverse-osmosis systems, which produce drinking water from seawater.
Cao also confirmed that meal choices were temporarily reduced. However, he said the crew continued to receive four nutritionally balanced meals each day.
The Navy had previously acknowledged delays in replenishing some supplies.
Gillibrand Criticizes Earlier Government Response
Gillibrand criticized the Trump administration’s earlier response to reports about conditions aboard the carrier.
She said reports that officials had dismissed as “fake news” reflected serious concerns among service members and their families.
The senator called for greater attention to the welfare of military personnel serving on lengthy deployments.
The Navy, meanwhile, has said it remains committed to the health, welfare and morale of sailors.
Lincoln Returns Toward the United States
The USS Abraham Lincoln has now left the Middle East.
The USS George Washington replaced the Lincoln in the region after completing its own extended deployment. The Lincoln later stopped in Thailand and continued its journey toward its home port in San Diego.
The Navy has not disclosed the carrier’s exact return schedule. Cao said those details remain classified.
The disclosure of eight suicide attempts has renewed attention on the mental health pressures faced by sailors during long deployments.
The Navy’s own response says the figure covers the entire Lincoln carrier strike group rather than the aircraft carrier alone. Therefore, the number should not be interpreted as eight attempts solely among the roughly 5,000 personnel aboard the Lincoln.
