8 suicide attempts recorded on USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier

New details have emerged regarding the suicide attempts on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which served in US military operations in the Middle East. The US Navy confirmed that eight suicide attempts were recorded in the assault group that included Lincoln during the long-term mission. The statement brought discussions about the harsh working conditions, mental health problems, food shortage and hygiene problems on the ship, which remained at sea for 286 days, back to the agenda.

The information was revealed in a written response by US Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao to Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's questions about conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Various news had previously been published stating that the living conditions on the aircraft carrier were deteriorating and the crew was experiencing mental health problems.

Cao's letter stated, "Since Lincoln took office, a total of eight suicide attempts have been recorded in the entire strike group accompanying the aircraft carrier."

The letter also stated that there were no deaths by suicide during his tenure.

RESCUE BY HELICOPTER

Details about some cases were also shared in the letter.

Accordingly, a sailor serving in the air wing of the aircraft carrier fell overboard from the ship in early August. The sailor was quickly removed from the water by the search and rescue helicopter and evacuated from the ship for treatment.

It was stated that another sailor tried to throw himself into the sea in March, but was prevented by the intervention of his friends. The Marine was then sent back to home base.

HE REMAINED AT SEA FOR 286 DAYS

USS Abraham Lincoln departed California in November 2025 to serve in the South China Sea.

However, the aircraft carrier's route was later changed to the Middle East ahead of US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which began in late February 2026.

Lincoln stopped in Thailand in early September after spending 286 days at sea.

REACTION FROM CONGRESS

In August, military families and some members of the US Congress expressed serious concerns about conditions on the aircraft carrier.

Among the allegations that came to the fore were suicide attempts and serious mental health problems, as well as food shortages and inadequate hygiene conditions on the ship.