Navy reports 8 suicide attempts on carrier group that faced monthslong deployment amid Iran war

Key Points:

• Eight suicide attempts have occurred within the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group since its deployment began in November last year, according to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao; no suicides have taken place onboard.
• Two of the suicide attempts happened during active combat with Iran, and the deployment involved over nine months at sea, including more than 250 consecutive days in the Middle East supporting U.S. operations against Iran.
• The carrier faced reports of food shortages, supply issues, and faulty plumbing, raising concerns about the mental health of sailors and Marines, which drew attention from congressional Democrats like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
• The Pentagon maintains there has been no increase in suicide attempts and emphasizes available mental health support, while Cao and his wife have publicly encouraged open discussion about mental health challenges.
• The USS Abraham Lincoln was recently relieved in the Middle East by the USS George Washington, docked in Thailand in early September, and is currently en route to its home port in San Diego, though its exact schedule remains classified.