Eight Sailors Attempted Suicide During USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment
Acting Navy Secretary confirms incidents occurred during nine-month deployment to the Middle East.
Eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during a nine-month deployment, acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed this week. One sailor went overboard from the Lincoln in early August and was rescued by helicopter, while another sailor was stopped by shipmates from attempting to go overboard in March.
The incidents did not result in any fatalities, Cao stated in a letter to Sen. Kirsten Gilibrand (D-NY) that was first reported by CNN.
The Lincoln strike group, which includes a guided missile cruiser and multiple destroyers, began its deployment in the South China Sea in November 2025. It was redirected to the Arabian Sea in January 2026 for Operation Epic Fury against Iran and remained in the region until late August before heading back to the U.S.
Senator Gilibrand criticized President Trump for dismissing concerns about conditions aboard the Lincoln, stating, "Our troops and their families make immense sacrifices every single day, yet the president dismissed them with open disrespect." She added that it is "completely unacceptable" for the administration to prioritize funding for other areas over the well-being of service members.
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, resources are available. In New York City, individuals can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. Outside of New York City, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline can be reached at 988, or individuals can visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.