8 sailors in USS Lincoln group attempted suicide on extended deployment, Navy leader says

Eight sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier attempted suicide while on a record-setting, continuous deployment supporting the Iran war, according to the Navy's top civilian leader. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao informed Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of this information in a letter after the senator inquired about the crew's mental health following reports of stress and supply shortages.

Cao stated that no suicides had occurred during the deployment, but eight suicide attempts had taken place among the crew, including personnel from the carrier, strike group, and escorting ships. The Lincoln's deployment, which lasted over 260 days, began in November and arrived in the Middle East in January. President Donald Trump has downplayed reports of the crew's conditions, but Gillibrand criticized both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for dismissing the serious and deteriorating situation facing the sailors.