US Navy Denies Surge in Suicide Attempts Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
The United States Navy has denied claims of an increase in suicide attempts aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The denial comes amid growing concern from families regarding the welfare of the crew, who have been at sea for more than 260 days.
A report from the military publication NavyTimes, citing relatives of the troops, stated that at least two US sailors attempted to jump overboard. The aircraft carrier departed from the US last November and was diverted from the Pacific to the Middle East as the White House prepared for military operations against Iran in late February.
Responding to the report, a Navy spokesperson stated that the health and welfare of every sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln is the top priority. “Based on the information available to the command, we have not identified an increase in reports of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the ship,” the spokesperson said, adding that medical, mental health, and religious professionals are available to address any concerns that arise.
Families of the approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the Lincoln have voiced anxiety regarding supply shortages, long working hours, and fears of self-harm. More than 200 family members reportedly met with Hung Cao, the Acting Secretary of the Navy, to discuss these issues. Democratic Representative Mike Levin from California also highlighted the poor conditions aboard the ship via social media, noting that sailors lack basic hygiene supplies, must use mouldy bathrooms and broken toilets, and often do not have access to hot water or sufficient food.
Normally, aircraft carrier deployments last between six and seven months. However, the USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nearly nine months with very minimal port time, including a brief stop in Guam last December. Retired US Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett explained that a deployment of this duration places immense strain on the ship and crew. “The Navy usually tries to avoid excessive sea operation periods like this, and Lincoln holds an unenviable record in recent history for this area,” he said.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently believed to be off the coast of Iran as part of US war efforts under the jurisdiction of US Central Command (Centcom). Although Acting Secretary Cao mentioned that the ship would be relieved by the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, there is no firm schedule for when the Lincoln’s crew will return to the United States.