World · North America · 2 days ago
USS Abraham Lincoln returns to San Diego after record time at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home port in San Diego on Thursday after more than 10 months at sea.
The aircraft carrier’s deployment supported the U.S. war on Iran.
Its crew spent a record 265 days at sea without a port visit, according to the reports.
Thousands of family members gathered at the pier to welcome the sailors home.
Some fathers met babies born while they were away, and other parents saw children they had not seen for almost a year.
Families had worried after hearing about supply shortages and the crew’s well-being during the long deployment.
The Navy later acknowledged some problems aboard, while the ship’s commanding officer said the crew had access to four meals a day.
The Lincoln is expected to leave San Diego for its new home port in Bremerton, Washington.
The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home port of San Diego after an extended deployment at sea.
Thousands of sailors reunited with family members waiting at the pier.
Sources describe the deployment as lasting more than 10 months, with the ship spending a record 265 days at sea without a port visit.
The carrier had supported the Iran war mission.
Families reported concerns about supply shortages and crew wellbeing, while the ship’s commanding officer said the issues were normal for a deployment of that length.
- Who
- USS Abraham Lincoln sailors and their families.
- What
- The carrier returned to San Diego after an extended deployment, and its crew reunited with family members.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026.
- Where
- San Diego Bay, California.
- Why
- The deployment supported the Iran war mission.
Families raising concerns
Navy and ship leadership
Crew conditions
Families raising concerns
Families described concerns after reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among the crew.
Navy and ship leadership
Capt. Daniel Keeler said the issues were normal for such a long deployment and that everyone had access to four meals a day.
Public perception
Families raising concerns
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed back against portraying the Lincoln as a symbol of dysfunction, low morale or a failed mission.
Navy and ship leadership
Families said reports about conditions aboard the ship caused worry and sleeplessness.
It feels amazing
It’s a floating city as you can see and at any moment there might be a clogged toilet
what makes the U.S. military and the U.S. Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you’re resilient and you overcome — you finish the mission nonetheless
We do hard things. We do them together.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flew to the Lincoln to give the crew the Presidential Unit Citation.
The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego and sailors reunited with family members.
The Lincoln is expected to travel to its new home port of Bremerton, Washington.
- Deployment
- 265 days of uninterrupted time at sea, according to AP and SCMP.
- Home port
- San Diego, California.
- Mission
- Supporting the Iran war.
- Returning crew
- Thousands of sailors.
- New fathers
- 122, including the airwing, according to the ship’s commanding officer.
Sources
USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after a record-long deployment at sea
Long-deployed USS Lincoln servicemembers reunited with families
Families reunited as USS Lincoln returns from troubled 10-month deployment
The long-deployed USS Lincoln returns home to San Diego Bay
USS Abraham Lincoln returns to US after 265 days at sea in Iran war mission
USS Lincoln returns home after long deployment
Related news
Eight people and the suspected gunman are dead after shooting in Erie
Hurricane Isaias kills four and leaves hundreds of thousands without power
NATO defence technology exercise concludes in Nova Scotia
Trump says Russia will supply diesel as fuel prices surge
Trump’s Russian diesel plan draws criticism from Republicans and Democrats
Hurricane Isaias Was First Atlantic Storm of the Season
Christa Pike returns to prison after surviving failed Tennessee execution
Nine dead after shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania
US sanctions International Criminal Court after former judge wins Nobel Peace Prize
Isaias weakens after striking Florida and Alabama, leaving hundreds of thousands without power
Turbulence injures passengers and crew on Avianca flight diverted to Miami
