**Title: US Navy Reports Suicide Attempts Among Personnel on USS Abraham Lincoln**
The US Navy has confirmed that eight personnel assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a ten-month deployment that coincided with the ongoing conflict in Iran. This information was disclosed in a letter from Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao in response to inquiries from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand regarding the mental health and morale of the crew.
The USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment began in late November 2025 and has garnered significant media attention due to various operational challenges. Reports earlier this year highlighted logistical and maintenance issues, including shortages of food and essential supplies, as well as problems with hot and potable water and plumbing failures aboard the carrier.
In his correspondence, Secretary Cao noted that while there were eight suicide attempts, there had been no fatalities among service members during this deployment, which is currently expected to continue indefinitely beyond its original end date in May.
Concerns regarding crew morale have been echoed by military publications such as Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, which reported in August that deteriorating mental health conditions had led some sailors to consider jumping overboard. The reports indicated that burnout and a decline in morale were significant issues among the personnel.
In a related development, the Pentagon has taken steps to dismiss senior editorial staff at Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination after the outlet reported on the challenges faced by the military in the Middle East, including the extended deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. The dismissal has raised concerns about editorial independence, as senior staff members publicly opposed potential interference from the Pentagon.
As of last month, the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 were reported to have made a logistics stop in Guam, marking the tenth month of their deployment. This extended tour has been a point of contention, particularly in light of growing public disapproval of the US military's involvement in Iran.
Recent polling data reflects a shift in public sentiment regarding the conflict. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS indicated that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the US is not succeeding in the war against Iran, with a significant majority expressing dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's handling of the situation. A separate Fox News survey found that 71% of respondents felt the current administration lacks a coherent plan to conclude the military action, with 60% labeling the intervention as a “wrong decision.”
The administration, including President Trump, has consistently criticized media coverage related to the Iran conflict, accusing outlets of disseminating “fake news” regarding various issues, including the depletion of US weapons stockpiles.
As the situation evolves, the Navy's acknowledgment of mental health challenges among its personnel raises important questions about the support and resources available to service members, especially during prolonged deployments in high-stress environments. The upcoming midterm elections on November 3 may further influence public discourse on military engagement and mental health issues within the armed forces.