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Navy officials said they have “not identified” an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts aboard an aircraft carrier deployed to the Middle East — a statement that conflicts with media reports and statements by military family members about the declining morale and mental health among the crew.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier left for its deployment to the Middle East in November. Now entering its ninth month, the ship is reportedly facing a growing morale crisis as compounding quality-of-life issues, mixed with a record-breaking deployment, may be resulting in a number of close-call mental health incidents.
Since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, the Lincoln has played a major role in combat operations as well as enforcing the U.S. military’s blockade of Iranian ports. Just as was the case with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the Lincoln’s long deployment has taken a toll on the ship’s crew, according to the families of the crew.
Military Times reported an interview with one Navy spouse whose husband tried to jump overboard from the Lincoln and another spouse whose husband intervened in a separate incident. Stars & Stripes reported interviews with other military spouses who brought their concerns about sailors’ declining mental health to Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and other senior officials at a town hall meeting in San Diego, California.
Task & Purpose reached out to the Navy about the reports and asked about protocols for such incidents and if sailors had been medically evacuated or pulled from duty because of mental health concerns. Those questions were not immediately answered.
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“We know that extended deployments place a significant strain on our service members and their families, and we are grateful for the resilience and sacrifices they make in support of our nation’s security,” Navy officials said in a statement. “Based on information available to the command, we have not identified an increase in reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the ship.”
Officials said they take “every service member’s well-being seriously” and that the ship is making available resources including counselors, chaplains, fleet and family support services, and medical professionals.
Military family members have relayed a number of the ship’s quality of life issues to news outlets in recent months. In April, USA Today reported a photo shared by a sailor aboard the Lincoln of their dinner, which featured a handful of boiled carrots, a dry meat patty and a slab of processed meat. The outlet also reported that care packages and other mail from family back home were delayed due to postal service suspensions brought about by the ongoing Iran war. The Navy has pushed back on the reporting.
Last week, MS Now reported that sailors were also dealing with moldy showers, food shortages, broken air conditioning units and a lack of clean water.
Navy officials acknowledged mail disruptions, saying that “traditional supply hubs in the Middle East were disrupted by combat actions.” Officials also said that leadership has “prioritized mission-critical supplies: first food, then hygiene items, then mail.”
Navy officials, however, denied other pieces of the outlets’ reporting and said sailors have “continuous access to clean water, functional AC, and healthy meal options.”
On Wednesday, Sen. Richard Blumetal (D-Conn.) sent a letter addressed to Pentagon and Navy officials, ratcheting up pressure for answers on the quality of life problems, morale and safety issues plaguing the ship and plans for sustaining the carrier strike group if the deployment extends for another year or two.
“The Lincoln’s extended deployment raises broader questions about the Navy’s ability to sustainably generate carrier forces while preserving service member well-being, maintenance schedules, fleet readiness, and the capacity to respond to future contingencies,” Blumenthal wrote.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 and you’ll be connected to trained counselors.
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