Senator slams 'disrespectful' Trump over USS Lincoln suicide attempts

 Eight sailors attempted suicide during the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which spent a record-setting 260-plus uninterrupted days at sea supporting operations in Iran, the Pentagon has confirmed.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the suicide attempts in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, noting that while no sailors died by suicide, eight attempted to take their lives across the strike group and attached units.

The deployment drew significant oversight following reports of severe crew stress, deteriorating mental health conditions, and critical shortages of basic supplies, including food and hygiene products.

Senator Gillibrand strongly criticized Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for previously dismissing reports of the carrier's poor onboard conditions as fake news and misrepresentations.

The record length of the deployment highlights the psychological and operational strains on U.S. service members as the military maintains a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz with no announced plan to conclude the conflict.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you