**Concerns Rise Over USS Abraham Lincoln Amid Suicides and Living Conditions**
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The USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier that has faced scrutiny over its living conditions during a protracted deployment in the Middle East, is currently en route back to its naval base in San Diego. Reports have emerged indicating that eight crew members made suicide attempts while serving on the ship, prompting serious concerns from lawmakers and military officials.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the distressing figure in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat who serves on the Armed Services Committee. The letter was obtained by *PEOPLE* and was delivered to the senator on 22 September. It detailed that the number included sailors from not only the Lincoln but also from its air wing, accompanying destroyers, and other units within the strike group. Notably, Cao stated that no service members had died by suicide throughout the carrier’s mission.
Cao also mentioned that the USS Abraham Lincoln has a robust support system, including five chaplains and various mental health professionals on board, designed to address the spiritual and emotional needs of the crew. However, the well-being of sailors has been called into question, particularly amid ongoing discussions surrounding their living conditions during the mission.
Initially set for a seven-month deployment, the Lincoln departed from San Diego in November 2022 but remained at sea for 280 days without a port visit, as it was scheduled to be relieved by the USS George Washington in August. The crew was granted a brief respite in Thailand for rest and relaxation earlier this month before its return journey to the United States, expected to take place in early October.
Despite the recent concerns over living conditions, Cao commended the crew’s professionalism and resilience, stating in his letter that “good order and discipline aboard the Lincoln remain strong.” His comments follow a series of troubling reports highlighting issues such as water contamination, malfunctioning toilets, and food shortages experienced by crew members. Such conditions reportedly led some sailors to contemplate drastic measures, including attempting to go overboard.
Concerns about the welfare of sailors were echoed by Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, who also addressed the issues in a letter to Cao and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Blumenthal expressed his grave worries regarding the conditions faced by those aboard the carrier. While Cao pushed back against some of the criticisms, he did acknowledge temporary issues, including “localized piping failures” and troubles with the reverse osmosis desalination units, which were affecting water supply.
Previously, Navy officials had publicly stated that they had not observed an uptick in suicidal ideations or attempts among the ship’s crew. This assertion contrasted sharply with reports depicting a dire situation aboard the Lincoln. Cao’s remarks came just after Hegseth referred to the alleged poor conditions as “completely misrepresented,” while former President Donald Trump implied that the carrier had not been deployed for a sufficient duration to warrant concern.
Senator Gillibrand responded strongly to these dismissals. “What Trump and Secretary Hegseth dismissed as ‘fake news’ turned out to be serious and deteriorating conditions for our service members,” she remarked. She further emphasised the significance of addressing the challenges faced by military personnel, asserting, “That this administration can find endless taxpayer dollars for bombs, ballrooms, and billionaires, but cannot take care of our service members, is completely unacceptable.”
As the USS Abraham Lincoln prepares for its return to San Diego, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of its crew. The Navy has yet to respond to requests for further comment regarding the current state of the vessel and its personnel.
For those experiencing mental health challenges or in need of support, resources are available. Individuals can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org, where help is accessible 24 hours a day.