US Navy Confirms Suicide Attempts on USS Abraham Lincoln

The Trump administration has officially acknowledged that a total of eight U.S. sailors attempted suicide during the extended deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. This fact came to light through a letter sent by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao in response to questions from Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Facts Revealed Through the Letter

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand that there were eight suicide attempts within the Lincoln strike group.

The letter also shared the information that no fatal suicides occurred on board the ship during this period.

Incidents Experienced by Sailors

It was announced that in early August, a sailor attached to an air wing fell overboard and was rescued by a search and rescue helicopter.

In March, it was noted that another sailor attempted to jump overboard but was prevented by shipmates and sent back to their home base.

Extended Deployment and Route

The USS Abraham Lincoln departed California in November 2025 and was subsequently directed to the Middle East.

The grueling and lengthy period at sea for the vessel encompassed the period of U.S.-Israeli strikes that began in late February 2026.

Reactions and Controversies

Military families and lawmakers had voiced concerns in August regarding mental health issues, food shortages, and hygiene problems.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, had denied these claims, arguing that the situation on the ship was being mischaracterized.