Eight Sailors on USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Attempted Suicide During Deployment

Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, September 24, 2026 —

Eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a recent deployment, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed. The incidents occurred during a period that included combat operations against Iran and spanned over six months at sea without any port calls.

While the exact timeline and specific dates of the deployment were not provided, Cao’s revelation highlights significant mental health challenges faced by service members during extended operational periods. The carrier strike group’s mission involved active combat operations, which can add substantial stress to deployed personnel.

Despite the eight suicide attempts, the Navy confirmed that no service members died by suicide during this deployment. The Navy has not provided further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the suicide attempts, the specific units involved within the strike group beyond its assignment to the USS Abraham Lincoln, or any subsequent actions taken to address the mental well-being of the crew.

The length of the deployment, exceeding six months without the opportunity for sailors to leave the ship for port, is a known factor that can impact mental health. Naval operations, particularly those involving combat or extended presence in high-threat areas like the Persian Gulf, often necessitate such prolonged deployments to maintain operational readiness and national security objectives.

Acting Secretary Cao’s statement brings attention to the pressures faced by sailors in demanding operational environments. The information regarding the number of suicide attempts was revealed as part of his public remarks. The specific number of combat operations undertaken by the strike group against Iran was not detailed.

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