The U.S. military is accusing a sailor who allegedly tried to kill himself on the USS Abraham Lincoln of “intentionally faking an illness or hurting” himself to avoid work, according to his wife.
The sailor’s wife, who was unnamed, told MS NOW on Wednesday that her husband tried to commit suicide by jumping off the ship on Aug. 3. She said her husband was medically evacuated and spent five days at Naval Medical Center San Diego but did not see a psychiatrist or a therapist. He was told to report back to work immediately after his release and had his therapy appointment on Aug. 26, she said.
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The wife said the sailor is now facing nonjudicial punishment over allegations that he violated articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
He is accused of violating Article 83 for “malingering,” which is defined as a service member “intentionally faking an illness or hurting themselves to avoid work, duty or service,” according to the outlet. The sailor also allegedly violated Article 86 for “absence without leave,” which means a service member failed to be at their required place of duty without proper authority.
“I think they’re insane for doing this to people who need mental help,” the wife said. “Instead of giving them help, this is just another huge stressor.”
The process the sailor is said to be facing can be used to discipline service members for minor rule-breaking, avoiding an intense court-martial process, which could result in a conviction.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Pentagon and Navy for comment outside of normal business hours.
The report comes after scrutiny over conditions on the Lincoln, which has been at sea for longer than any other carrier in recent memory. Over 5,000 crew members have been deployed for roughly nine months, with reports that at least three have attempted suicide.
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A Navy official said earlier this month that the extended deployment had placed “a significant strain” on service members but maintained an optimistic outlook.
“Navy leadership is listening to our families, supporting our service members, and ensuring the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has the resources needed to safely and successfully accomplish its mission,” the official said.
