The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived back at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on Thursday, greeted by cheering families and waving flags after completing a historic 10-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. The mission lasted 321 days, marking the second-longest deployment for a carrier since the end of the Cold War.
During the extended operation, the carrier spent 265 days continuously at sea without a single port visit, setting a new U.S. Navy record. The previous record for total deployment duration was established earlier this year when the USS Gerald R. Ford returned from a 326-day mission spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
The deployment was characterized by significant combat operations, with the Lincoln playing a central role in the conflict with Iran by launching thousands of aircraft sorties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boarded the vessel on Wednesday as it approached San Diego, addressing the crew about the decision to extend the mission. “I realize I’m the only thing standing between you and home,” Hegseth said, acknowledging that he signed the orders to extend the deployment twice. He credited the carrier’s effectiveness on the battlefield and full support from President Trump for the necessity of the extension.
Despite the strategic successes, the deployment faced challenges regarding crew welfare. Reports emerged of dwindling supplies and low morale aboard the 36-year-old carrier. While Hegseth denied claims of deteriorating conditions, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed in a letter to Congress that eight sailors attached to the Lincoln had attempted suicide during the deployment due to the stress of the Iran war.
Capt. Dan Keeler, the commanding officer of the Lincoln, acknowledged the emotional toll on the crew. “At any one point, you’ll have individuals experiencing real big highs, real lows, ups and downs,” Keeler told ABC News, but expressed confidence that his team was ready for the homecoming.
Among the returning crew were nearly 60 fathers meeting their infants for the first time, as many children were born while the sailors were deployed. Sailor Mackayla Morris described the strain of the mission, stating, “We have been holding on for dear life just to get through this deployment.” Information systems technician Precious Amada Aguirre echoed these sentiments, calling it the most difficult mission she had ever undertaken.
For those who served, pride remained high. Sailor William Aduloju, who helped launch thousands of flights from the deck, told ABC News, “I was here from the start to the end. At least I know I launched every bird off this deck.” As the carrier docked, families waited on the piers to welcome their loved ones home, closing out one of the most demanding chapters in recent naval history.
The pride shines through despite the hardships. Those sixty new fathers probably had some emotional reunions on the pier.
Interesting that the Gerald R. Ford deployed longer. Does the Navy consider these records comparable if one had ports?
I can’t believe eight sailors attempted suicide. This needs more serious attention than just a homecoming parade.
Respect to the crew for pushing through such an intense deployment. Thirty-two days at sea without port is no joke.