Eight sailors in the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during its 300-day deployment supporting the war against Iran, according to a Navy letter. One sailor went overboard in early August and was recovered by a carrier helicopter, while another attempted to go overboard in March but was stopped by shipmates, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said.

The information was released to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who criticized President Trump and the Pentagon for minimizing crew strain, calling the conditions 'serious and deteriorating.' The Lincoln, with about 5,000 sailors, holds a Navy record for longest time at sea without a port call. After stopping in Thailand, the San Diego-based ship arrived in Guam. Senator Gillibrand accused the administration of disrespect toward service members, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the situation was 'misrepresented.' Rear Adm.

Donald J. Guter called the eight attempts 'disturbingly high,' and Adm. Brad Cooper acknowledged deployment challenges but stated the Lincoln had among the lowest mental health cases among Navy carriers.