US Navy sailor faces discipline after jumping from carrier; wife cites ignored mental health pleas

A 19-year-old US Navy sailor is reportedly facing disciplinary action after jumping from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier earlier this month. The sailor is accused of violating military codes for "malingering" and "absence without leave," according to MS NOW.

However, the sailor's wife has spoken out, alleging that her husband did not receive adequate care for his mental health struggles, which she believes were exacerbated by the Navy's response. She told MS NOW that her husband had approached his chain of command and the ship's medical team multiple times with his concerns but was dismissed.

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I think they’re insane for doing this to people who need mental help. Instead of giving them help, this is just another huge stressor.

Following the incident on August 3, the sailor was medically evacuated and returned to San Diego on August 13. After spending five days at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, he was reportedly told to return to work immediately. His wife stated that he did not receive therapy or psychiatric care during this period and only began treatment on August 26, nearly a month after the incident and two weeks after his return to San Diego.

The sailor and his wife, both 19, have two young children. His wife also revealed that her husband had repeatedly requested paternity leave but was denied. The incident is prompting scrutiny into how the US Navy and other military branches address suicide and mental health among service members. Legal experts note that while the Defense Department has resources for those struggling, a legal mechanism still exists to punish service members who attempt suicide, even if they did not receive timely help.

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We tell service members to reach out for help, and then we keep a criminal statute on the books for the ones who didn’t get it in time.