Eight US Navy sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group reportedly attempted suicide during a 280-day deployment connected to the Iran war, although none died. The disclosure has intensified scrutiny of allegedly severe onboard conditions and prompted a planned congressional investigation into the deployment’s impact on sailors’ mental health.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the figure included personnel from the carrier, air wing, accompanying ships and aviation units; one additional sailor reportedly tried to go overboard in March but was stopped and treated. More than 6,000 sailors served aboard the vessel, which spent about 200 days in combat zones, while the Navy has announced operational changes following complaints including inadequate food and prolonged separation from families.