SAN DIEGO (KUSI/FOX 5) — The Secretary of the Navy has confirmed that at least eight people attempted to take their own lives while serving in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group. The wartime deployment was a record-breaking 286 days without reaching any land port.
“Annabelle from San Diego shared her story about her husband attempting to jump overboard from the Lincoln during his deployment,” said California Senator Adam Schiff.
Senator Adam Schiff says logistical failures are part of the reason for the deterioration of morale on board.
“They were forced to ration food and water. Shortages that have reportedly caused severe weight loss and other health impacts. It was long enough for crew members to have a health crisis, which created significant distress for their families as well, to the point where some service members attempted to jump off the carrier into the sea,” said Schiff.
On this deployment, in particular, there is a much higher rate than what’s typical on a deployment that might be just one or two attempted suicides,” said Dr. Bruce Figuered, a clinical psychologist.
Mental health experts say the extended deployment, intense working conditions and a younger workforce can create a difficult environment.
“If you have people in that demographic and they do have a lack of ability to connect with people socially, and they are in a high-stress position, and they are in tight quarters. It’s like loneliness in a crowded space,” said Dr. Figuered.
Communication blackouts for security reasons were also difficult for service members.
“Resilience, the ability to connect with people socially. To deal with problems and stress together, not just an isolated individual among many people on a ship, is a critical thing,” said Dr. Figuered.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.