One sonar technician who also worked on the ship’s security force said that she had sought counseling after a series of experiences on duty that left her troubled, but that it was pushed off.

The technician, who requested that her name not be published because she was not authorized to speak publicly , said that those who did persist in seeking counseling often ended up separated from the military, which did not go unnoticed by other sailors.

A machinist’s mate who worked with one of the sailors who died this month said that family issues and other personal problems that sailors tend to ignore during the hectic times at sea can come to a head when they are ashore. But the machinist’s mate, who also requested that his name not be used, said sailors were reluctant to ask for help because they did not want to be seen as trying to shirk duty.

A Navy spokeswoman, Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, said the Navy had sent a rapid intervention team of counselors to assist sailors in dealing with the recent suicides. “The leadership of U.S.S. George H.W. Bush are engaged with their crew and focused on taking care of their sailors and their families,” she said. “Chaplains, psychologists, counselors and leadership are providing support and counseling to those grieving.”

Commander Cragg pointed to a number of suicide prevention resources the Navy maintains, and said, “There is never any stigma or repercussion from seeking help.”

The Navy, like the other military branches, has been outspoken about the problem of suicide in the ranks, and has introduced mandatory suicide prevention training, set up crisis hotlines and created new positions for mental health workers. To commemorate the 59 sailors who killed themselves last year, the Navy is displaying 59 pairs of white combat boots this month at Norfolk Naval Base — the George H.W. Bush’s home port.

Still the problem continues to grow.

“The Navy is trying all kinds of protective things and they are not working as well as they would like,” said Dr. Eric D. Caine, a psychiatrist at the University of Rochester who studies suicide prevention and the military.