In the year preceding Troy Norrell's death, he became convinced that the government had infiltrated his mind. Tragically, he was partially correct.
The 44-year-old was a prominent member of the Navy’s Special Boat Teams, an elite unit specializing in rapid maritime operations. However, after years of intense activity, he struggled with memory loss, insomnia, alcohol abuse, and violent outbursts, ultimately leading to a medical retirement in 2017 after 12 years of service.
As a civilian, Norrell's mental health deteriorated further, resulting in delusions and paranoia. He believed that the government had bugged his phone and even his brain. A few days later, he died by suicide, with an autopsy revealing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
A neurologist from the Defense Department suggested that Norrell's C.T.E. was likely caused by the physical impacts experienced while operating high-speed boats. Following his death, concerns were raised about the potential risks faced by other sailors in the Special Boat Teams.
Six weeks later, another team member, Travis Carter, also died by suicide under similar circumstances. Former senior members of the Special Boat Teams reported that the aggressive design of the boats could lead to severe brain injuries, with many veterans describing a pattern of mental health issues emerging after years of service.
Interviews with 12 former leaders revealed that many experienced significant psychological decline, often coinciding with leadership promotions. Veterans reported impulsive behavior, alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts, with a questionnaire indicating that nearly a quarter of respondents had experienced suicidal ideation.
The Navy has yet to provide comprehensive data on the extent of injuries among sailors, and there are no reliable diagnostic tests for detecting such damage while personnel are still alive. Despite the alarming reports, military leadership has often attributed behavioral issues to individual failings rather than systemic problems.
While the Pentagon has begun to recognize the risks associated with weapon use, the unique dangers posed by high-performance boats have received little attention. Many sailors do not see combat, complicating the understanding of their mental health challenges.
Former senior chiefs highlighted the troubling reality of brain-injured individuals leading similarly affected peers, resulting in a cycle of dysfunction within the teams. The Navy has acknowledged the risks to boat crews but has not confirmed whether these include brain damage.
A medical memorandum from 2021 indicated that crew members experienced extreme shock and vibration forces, leading to concerns about potential brain injuries. However, veterans argue that operational changes have not been sufficient to address ongoing issues.
The Special Boat Teams were established in the late 1980s, introducing high-speed vessels that have since been linked to a rise in reported injuries. A 1994 Navy study found that crews experienced over 120 whiplash events per hour, raising concerns about human tolerance to such forces.
Despite improvements in boat design, veterans reported that the violent impacts continued unabated. Many attributed their mental health problems to the cumulative effects of repeated impacts, with symptoms including depression and panic attacks.
Travis Carter, who served on a new model of boat, exhibited alarming behavioral changes before his suicide. His family noted that despite his evident struggles, he was not provided with adequate medical support before a deployment.
Following Carter's death, his brain was examined for C.T.E., but the results were inconclusive regarding other potential damage. Veterans reported witnessing the decline of competent sailors as they ascended in rank, raising concerns about the systemic nature of these issues.
As more veterans come forward with similar experiences, the need for a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with high-speed maritime operations becomes increasingly urgent.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.