Navy Confirms Eight Suicide Attempts Within Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Following Extended Deployment
The Navy reports eight suicide attempts among sailors on the USS Lincoln strike group after a grueling nine-month deployment. Get the latest updates here.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Navy has disclosed that eight suicide attempts occurred within the USS Lincoln carrier strike group during its recent, extended deployment. This figure encompasses personnel assigned to the aircraft carrier, its associated air wing, and the escorting destroyers, according to a letter sent Tuesday by the Navy to Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.
While the data indicates these attempts took place, the Navy confirmed that no suicides have occurred on board the vessels. The figures were initially reported by CNN.
The Lincoln and its thousands of crew members endured a deployment lasting more than nine months, which included over 250 consecutive days at sea throughout this year. A significant portion of this mission was spent in the Middle East, where the strike group provided support for the U.S. war against Iran.
Throughout this record-breaking duration at sea, the carrier faced documented challenges, including supply chain disruptions, food shortages, and plumbing failures. These conditions prompted families of the crew to voice concerns regarding the declining mental health of sailors and Marines, a situation that drew significant attention from congressional Democrats.
Senator Gillibrand addressed the findings on Wednesday, stating, What Trump and Secretary Hegseth dismissed as ‘fake news’ turned out to be serious and deteriorating conditions for our service members.
📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES
In response, the Pentagon has maintained that conditions on the ship were managed appropriately. Officials asserted that there has not been a spike in suicide attempts and emphasized that personnel maintain access to chaplains, counselors, and various other support services.
The carrier group departed the Middle East late last month after being relieved by the USS George Washington. Following a stop in Thailand in early September, the Lincoln arrived in Guam earlier this week as it continues its transit toward its home port in San Diego.
While the Navy has confirmed the relief of duties in the Middle East, the specific timeline for the ship’s return to San Diego remains classified. During the deployment, a video featuring a crew member and his wife, April, encouraged others to speak openly about the challenges they face.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Additional resources are available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, or via email at [email protected].
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
