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USS Abraham Lincoln returns to San Diego after record 321-day deployment

Oct 9, 6:45 AM2 min read

Drafted by AI from the sources below, fact-checked by the Ajako Taja Editorial Team · How we use AI

AI Summary

After 321 days at sea and a record-breaking stretch without a port call, the USS Abraham Lincoln has returned to San Diego amid reports of crew hardship.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at its San Diego homeport following a record-breaking 321-day deployment that included 264 consecutive days at sea without a port call.

Thousands of military families gathered at Naval Air Station North Island on Thursday to welcome approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines. The Guardian reported a festival-like atmosphere with a live band and performers as the ship appeared around noon. According to CBS News, the aircraft carrier and its strike group were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest award for valor, for the historic mission.

The deployment was marked by reports of significant hardship. Al Jazeera and The Guardian noted that the extended time at sea led to food and supply shortages, facility breakdowns, and declining morale. The Guardian reported a spate of suicide attempts among the crew, leading Democratic lawmakers to call for an investigation, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly sought to downplay these concerns.

During the homecoming, NBC News observed sailors reuniting with loved ones, including new fathers holding their babies for the first time. The Japan Times noted the warship had been at sea since leaving California last November, originally bound for the South China Sea before being rerouted to the Middle East. While the ship's sides showed visible rust stains upon arrival, families expressed relief at the end of the nearly year-long mission.

While The Japan Times reported the ship remained at sea until early September, other outlets including CBS News and The Guardian confirmed the deployment spanned 321 days, concluding with the ship's arrival in San Diego this week. The Department of Defense characterized the 264-day stretch without a port call as a record in modern naval history.

Background

The USS Abraham Lincoln was diverted from its original South China Sea mission to the Middle East to support U.S. operations during a conflict involving Iran and Israel. This rerouting extended the deployment well beyond its expected spring return date.