Concerns have been expressed about the lack of access to mental health support.
In mid-April, three sailors assigned to the USS George Washington committed suicide within a week. This brought the total number of deaths of people assigned to the ship to seven within a year, four being by suicide. The Navy began two internal investigations last week in light of the recent deaths, but the service has been under scrutiny since they admitted to the deaths of those assigned to the aircraft carrier.
The aircraft carrier is in the process of repairs at the Newport News Shipyard, which began in 2017. Challenging living and working conditions have been reported for the sailors on board due to construction noise and a lack of heat, hot water, and electricity. The Navy is planning to attempt to repair morale on the ship through team-building exercises.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Navy Secretary Del Gado as the low morale and conditions on the aircraft carrier are addressed.
- For officials in the Pentagon and Defense Department to ensure adequate mental health support for the sailors.
- For the health and well-being of the sailors assigned to the USS George Washington.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
