US News

Navy reports eight suicide attempts during extended USS Abraham Lincoln deployment

A disclosure to Congress confirms eight attempts across the strike group amid extended Middle East operations.

Updated Sep 24, 2026 · 15:27 UTC5 reports

The short version

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during an extended deployment, with no fatalities reported.[NBC News · CBS News · Al Jazeera · BBC News · The Guardian]
The attempts spanned the carrier crew, air wing, destroyer squadron, and attached aviation units following months of operations linked to conflict with Iran.[NBC News · BBC News · The Guardian]
Relatives and lawmakers raised alarms over deteriorating mental health and onboard living conditions, while defense officials maintained support personnel were present and denied a widespread crisis.[NBC News · Al Jazeera · BBC News]

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand that eight personnel across the carrier strike group attempted suicide during deployment.[BBC News · The Guardian]
No deaths were attributed to suicide during the carrier strike group's deployment.[NBC News · CBS News · Al Jazeera]
The reported incidents included members of the Lincoln crew, carrier air wing, strike group, destroyer squadron staff, and escorting destroyers.[NBC News · BBC News · The Guardian]
Cao acknowledged temporary localized piping failures and reduced meal options, but denied widespread plumbing failures and food shortages.[Al Jazeera · BBC News]
The USS George Washington was dispatched to replace the carrier following an extended operational period.[CBS News · Al Jazeera · BBC News]

The Navy's correspondence detailed two overboard jump incidents but did not disclose specific circumstances regarding the remaining six suicide attempts.[NBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.