Navy Chief to visit USS George Washington after a series of suicides

The USS George Washington will be visited by Navy Secretary Carlos del Toro on Tuesday, making him the most senior official to do so in the wake of a wave of suicides among sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier.

A Navy spokeswoman, Capt. J.D. Dorsey, told The Hill that del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Michael Gilday will visit the ship to “hear firsthand” from the crew and leadership.

They will also “assess how things are progressing and whether there are any further activities that need to be taken” to improve crew conditions aboard the ship.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initially suggested the visit during public statements on the ship’s predicament on Wednesday.

Since 2017, the George Washington has been moored at Newport News for a midlife refueling and extensive refit. The navy has been pressed to improve circumstances on the aircraft carrier, particularly after three sailors committed suicide within a week in April.

The ship’s crew members have spoken out about the tough circumstances on board. An 18-year-old sailor assigned to the ship attempted suicide last week, his mother told.

According to the Navy, around 200 crew members have been evacuated off the ship, and mental health facilities have been made available to personnel. Two investigations into the suicides on the George Washington crew are also ongoing.

Del Toro told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that the Navy has to do a better job of providing a better quality of life for sailors aboard the ship.

“We need to develop a plan that’s more robust than what we’re currently doing for especially aircraft carriers because you’re introducing upwards of 2,500 sailors into an already challenging environment,” he said.

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