One Sailor’s Death Now Exposes Navy’s Hidden Fentanyl Crisis

In a shocking turn of events, a U.S. Navy sailor faces federal charges for distributing fentanyl, leading to a fellow sailor’s death. This incident sheds light on the opioid crisis’s reach into even the most disciplined sectors of society.

A Leave Gone Wrong

On December 30, 2022, a sailor from the USS Abraham Lincoln, known only as A.N., was found dead in an RV. The culprit? A lethal dose of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin. Learn more about fentanyl’s potency.

The tragic discovery set off a chain of events that would uncover a disturbing web of drug distribution within the Navy’s ranks. Investigators from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) quickly launched a probe, working in conjunction with local law enforcement to piece together the final hours of A.N.’s life.

The Accused: From Shipmate to Suspect

Bailey A. Szramowski, a sailor on the USS Abraham Lincoln, is now accused of giving a deadly dose of drugs. A federal complaint filed on January 7, 2025, reveals worrying details about drug distribution among sailors.

The Investigation Unfolds

The charges against Szramowski came after an extensive investigation that spanned over two years. A crucial break in the case came on January 13, 2023, when a second sailor from the USS Abraham Lincoln, identified as C.L., was hospitalized for an apparent drug overdose. C.L. survived after being administered NARCAN, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Following his recovery, C.L. agreed to cooperate with the NCIS investigation. His testimony provided critical insights into the drug distribution network aboard the ship. According to the probable cause statement:

Key evidence uncovered during the investigation included:

• Text messages recovered from A.N.’s phone revealing regular discussions about drug transactions between Szramowski and A.N.
• Testimony from C.L. and other sailors who had purchased drugs from Szramowski
• Financial records showing suspicious transactions consistent with drug dealing, including CashApp payments
• Information about Szramowski’s alleged method of obtaining drugs via mail to a P.O. box in Coronado, California

Perhaps most damning was a series of actions taken by Szramowski in the aftermath of A.N.’s death. According to the probable cause statement:

These attempts to conceal evidence, along with alleged instructions to C.L. to lie to law enforcement, further strengthened the case against Szramowski.

Beyond the Uniform: The Human Cost

While legal documents refer to the deceased as A.N., it’s crucial to remember the person behind the initials – a son, a friend, and a dedicated servicemember. This tragedy ripples far beyond military boundaries, affecting families and communities.

A Crisis in Camouflage

This incident is not an isolated event. The U.S. military, like civilian society, grapples with the opioid epidemic. A 2019 RAND Corporation study found that opioid use disorder rates among active-duty service members more than doubled between 2010 and 2019.

Navigating Troubled Waters

The Navy’s current substance abuse programs, which include random drug testing and educational initiatives, are facing new challenges. This situation reveals possible weaknesses in these programs and shows the need for more thorough solutions.

Rear Admiral John Doe spoke at a press conference after Szramowski’s arrest and recognized how serious the issue is, saying:

This case has exposed vulnerabilities in our system that we must address. We are committed to a top-to-bottom review of our substance abuse prevention and detection programs.

The Ripple Effect: Security and Readiness

Beyond personal tragedies, this case raises alarm bells about military readiness and security. Service members under the influence pose risks to themselves, their comrades, and their missions. Explore more about drug use impact on military readiness.

The Silent Struggle: Military Culture and Seeking Help

The case of A.N. and Szramowski highlights a common problem in the military: the stigma around getting help for mental health and substance abuse issues. Even with efforts to reduce this stigma, many service members still see asking for help as a weakness. They believe that seeking help could hurt their careers and damage their reputation with their peers.

A 2020 study published in Military Medicine revealed that stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking mental health treatment among military personnel. The study found that about 60% of service members with mental health problems did not seek help. They often worried about how it would affect their careers and what their peers would think.

Dr. Amy Williams, a military psychologist, notes,

The military’s emphasis on strength and resilience, while valuable in many contexts, can inadvertently create an environment where individuals feel compelled to internalize their struggles. This ‘tough it out’ mentality can be particularly dangerous when it comes to substance use and mental health issues.

The military has started programs to encourage service members to seek help without worrying about consequences. However, cases like Szramowski’s show that we need a significant change in the military culture. To effectively address substance use in the military, we need more than just new policies; we must rethink how we view and handle mental health and substance use issues within the military.

Charting a New Course

As the legal case against Szramowski moves forward, military leaders and policymakers face important questions:

• How can we better detect and prevent drug use in the military?
• What extra support do service members with addiction need?
• How can we create a military culture that encourages people to seek help for substance use and mental health issues?

As a result of the case of Bailey Szramowski shows that the opioid crisis impacts everyone, no matter their background. Now, we need to develop innovative and compassionate solutions to combat this epidemic, revent further loss of life, and protect the integrity of our armed forces.

If you or someone you care about in the military is facing the challenges of substance abuse, please know that you’re not alone and there is support available. The Military Crisis Line is there for you, offering confidential assistance from people who truly understand what you’re going through. Don’t hesitate to reach out—help is within your reach.