USS George Washington Suicide Investigation Highlights Strained Mental Health Resources

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An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three USS George Washington (CVN-73) sailors who died by suicide in April found that the cases were largely unrelated but revealed an overworked mental health system aboard the carrier that had trouble keeping up with the demands of the crew.

The report, released this week concluded that while all three of the sailors experienced stress from George Washington’s extended refueling and complex overhaul period, they did not know each other, and each had unique personal factors that contributed to their deaths. The investigation looked into suicide contagion — the idea that one suicide can lead to another person thinking about taking their life — and it could not be ruled out.