Eight sailors assigned to US carrier group that fought in Iran war attempted suicide, Navy secretary tells Congress

Key Points:

• Eight US Navy personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a deployment marked by combat operations against Iran and a record-long time at sea, according to a letter from Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.
• The number of suicide attempts among the roughly 6,000 to 7,000 sailors in the strike group aligns with the Navy-wide suicide attempt rate in 2024, with no confirmed suicides during the deployment.
• The deployment involved intense operational strain, including no port calls and constant alerts, which officials say contributed to the high stress levels; previous deployments typically saw only one or two attempts per year.
• Mental health resources were available onboard, including chaplains, counselors, psychologists, and a facility dog, while some sailors were rescued after going overboard or prevented from attempting to do so.
• Crew members reported low morale and challenging living conditions, such as frequent closures of essential amenities, with many expressing anxiety and hope for the ship’s return to homeport after an extended Middle East deployment.