Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inJasmine FernándezThursday 24 September 2026 08:03 BSTThe U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln sails toward Laem Chabang Port before docking for a rest stop following a long deployment in the Middle East (Reuters)Eight U.S. Navy sailors attempted suicide during the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group's extended deployment in the Middle East, according to a Pentagon letter.The deployment set a modern Navy record by keeping sailors at sea for over 250 consecutive days without port visits during combat operations against Iran.Crew members faced severe onboard quality-of-life issues, including frequent plumbing failures, lack of hot water, and food and supply shortages.Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the deteriorating conditions Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth dismissed as fake news were deeply serious.No sailors died by suicide during the rotation, and the USS Abraham Lincoln is now returning to its home port in San Diego after being relieved.In fullNavy admits there were 8 suicide attempts aboard the USS Lincoln during Iran war deploymentMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in