U.S. Navy Reports Suicide Attempts Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln After Extended Deployment
Eight U.S. Navy service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln attempted suicide during an extended 286-day Middle East deployment, sparking concern in Washington.
Mental Health Crisis Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Amid Extended Middle East Deployment
Eight U.S. Navy service members aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln attempted suicide since the beginning of its mission in the Middle East, according to a letter from a senior Navy official obtained by NBC News.
The deployment, which lasted an unprecedented 286 days without a port stop, raised serious concerns among crew members regarding food shortages and the severe psychological toll of extended time at sea. However, no fatalities resulting from suicide were reported during the voyage.
According to the letter signed by Acting Secretary of the Navy Hong Cao and sent to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the suicide attempts involved personnel from the carrier, its carrier air wing, destroyer squadrons, and accompanying warships. Approximately 7,500 service members belong to the strike group.
"Our troops and their families make tremendous sacrifices every day, yet the President dismissed them with blatant disrespect," Senator Gillibrand stated.
Impact of Extended Deployment and Food Shortages
The Lincoln departed San Diego in November, and its deployment was originally scheduled to conclude in May. However, the mission was extended following the outbreak of conflict in February. The vessel recently stopped in Thailand and is currently making its way back to San Diego after a stop in Guam.
Families of the crew expressed deep concerns over food shortages, low morale, and mental health deterioration. Despite the reports, military officials downplayed some of the allegations, with CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper dismissing the concerns in a Wall Street Journal op-ed as "old news."
