8 Navy members attempted suicide on the USS Lincoln during extended deployment, military official says

Eight Navy members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have attempted suicide since the beginning of their extended deployment, a top Navy official said in a letter obtained by NBC News. The length of the deployment, which some service members on board the carrier had described as extraordinarily tough, has raised concerns about supply shortages and the effect on sailors’ mental health. No deaths have been attributed to suicide during the deployment. The number of suicide attempts includes those by crewmembers and sailors from the carrier air wing, strike group and destroyer squadron staff; escorting destroyers; and all embarked aviation squadrons, according to the letter, which acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao sent to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. About 7,500 service members, primarily sailors, are part of the strike group. A Navy official said the letter was delivered to Gillibrand on Tuesday.